Political parties in Nigeria have expressed differing views on recent remarks made by former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, who criticised Nigerian politicians, accusing them of seeking power to steal, kill, and maintain control.
Amaechi made these comments during a two-day National Conference on Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria, which was focused on exploring ways to improve governance and political integrity in the country.
He argued that Nigerian voters are easily manipulated by political rhetoric and incentives from those in power. “All we have here is typical of Nigerians. They will be clapping. That’s why politicians get away with anything. They get away with murder because they have a short memory. None of you here can defend the votes,” he said.
Amaechi further remarked, “The politician is there in Nigeria to steal, maim, kill, and remain in power. If you think Tinubu will give it to you, you are wasting your time. When we speak, we forget history.”
He also claimed that President Bola Tinubu and other members of the political elite would never relinquish power to younger generations.
“Before the election of the last president, many of us were called to intervene. Why did they do that? The people were ready to die. You’re talking and abusing everyone; nobody has power and will give it to you. Not even me. If you want a pastor as president, go and get one,” he added.
In response, the Labour Party leadership supported Amaechi’s stance and agreed with his assessment of the country’s political situation. Prince Kennedy Ahanotu, the LP’s National Youth Leader, however, criticised Amaechi for failing to address the same issues during his time in power.
Ahanotu stated, “Amaechi is not far from the truth. We’ve failed to build strong political institutions in Nigeria. Over the years, political agitators have hijacked power instead of building ideological platforms. That’s why it’s difficult for them to let go once they gain power.”
He added that weak political institutions are to blame, highlighting the example of a governor who, after finishing their term, imposes a family member or ally as the next candidate. He questioned why these issues are often ignored until after leaving office.
The ruling All Progressives Congress took a more measured stance. In an interview with *The PUNCH*, APC National Publicity Director Bala Ibrahim emphasized that power must be earned, not handed out.
“You have to work for it. In democracy, power is gained through the ballot, not through force. I believe Amaechi is urging people, especially the youth, to work for power, rather than expecting it to be given to them on a silver platter,” Ibrahim explained.
He further pointed to the youth inclusion in President Tinubu’s cabinet as evidence of his support for younger generations in leadership roles.
On the other hand, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party dismissed Amaechi as unworthy of serious consideration regarding political integrity. Timothy Osadolor, the PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, criticised Amaechi’s tenure as governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation, claiming he failed to deliver on his promises during his tenure in office.
“He doesn’t have the moral standing to speak about integrity,” Osadolor stated. “As governor, we saw what he did in Rivers State. As Minister for Transportation, billions were invested in railways, yet we didn’t get the high-speed trains promised. Instead, Amaechi left behind a rail system that couldn’t stand the test of time.”
Osadolor accused Amaechi of using public funds to pursue personal ambitions rather than improving the country’s infrastructure. He added, “When we think of Amaechi, we remember the billions that were misused under his watch—not his achievements.”
Both the APC and PDP, while differing in opinion, continue to debate the deeper issues surrounding Nigeria’s political landscape.
