The former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has admitted that the All Progressives Congress engaged in “dirty politics” by financially mobilising people to protest against ex-President Goodluck Jonathan in 2014.
Amaechi made the revelation in Abuja during a national conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria, organised by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development.
He criticised the attitude of Nigerian voters, arguing that they are easily influenced by political rhetoric and monetary inducements rather than holding politicians accountable.
Reflecting on APC’s early days, Amaechi disclosed that party chieftains orchestrated paid demonstrations against the then-ruling Peoples Democratic Party and Jonathan’s administration.
“When APC was registered, I feared they might rig us out. So, we agreed to organise a demonstration at Eagle Square. We paid people to bring women and others. When I arrived early to assess the situation, I was shocked to see that the women we brought were wearing ‘Jonathan for President’ shirts,” Amaechi recounted.
Amaechi also accused Nigerians of having short memories, stating that many do not scrutinise governance issues but rather focus on short-term benefits like transport fares provided by politicians.
“We have sweet mouths; we repeat the same things every day. Tomorrow, they will call you in Lagos, and you will go. Somebody told me in Lagos, ‘Mr. Amaechi, these people that gathered here, we called them, gave them transport money, and they came. If tomorrow Tinubu does the same, they will also come,’” he said.
The former minister further expressed concern that President Bola Tinubu is unlikely to step down easily in 2027, warning Nigerians not to expect genuine change from political elites.
“Nobody has power that will give it to you, not even me,” he stated, adding that politicians prioritise retaining power through manipulation and violence over fair governance.
He cautioned Nigerians that those calling for political change should be prepared for resistance, stressing, “None of you here seated can defend the votes. You have complained, complained, and Nigerians have clapped for you.”
Amaechi’s remarks have sparked discussions on the role of money in Nigerian politics and the challenges of achieving democratic reforms in the country.
