Barrister Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, former Minister of Transportation, has urged the younger generation in Nigeria to brace up as President Bola Tinubu would not cede power to them without a fierce struggle.
He made the call while speaking at a national conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria organized by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development in Abuja.
Mr. Amaechi stressed the competitive nature of Nigerian politics.
He pinpointed the extreme measures politicians often take to secure electoral victories, urging Nigerians to remain politically vigilant. He noted that power is rarely given freely and must be actively fought for.
The former Governor of Rivers State also called on citizens to protect their votes to ensure credible leadership.
According to him, safeguarding the democratic process is crucial for securing leadership that reflects the will of the people.
“None of you here seated can defend the votes. If you have complained, complain, Nigerians have been clapping for you.
“The only way Ibrahim Shekarau became governor was because people lined up.
“It happened in Ghana before the election of the last president. Two days, a lot of us were called to intervene. But why did they do that? The people were ready to die.
“You are talking and abusing everybody. Nobody has power and will give it to you not even me. If you want a pastor as president, go and get one.
“The politician is there in Nigeria to steal, maim, and kill to remain in power. If you think Tinubu will give it to you, you are wasting your time”, he said.
Amaechi recounted his experience in the days leading to the 2015 presidential election when a newly formed All Progressives Congress (APC) defeated the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He attributed APC’s success to the determination and preparedness of leaders of the party to go the extra mile.
Amaechi noted that former President Goodluck Jonathan conceded defeat only after realising that the APC was fully prepared to defend its mandate.
He asked citizens to adopt similar measures in future elections.
In October 2024, Amaechi said he was disappointed in Nigerians for their laid-back disposition to the prevailing economic hardship.
“The people should be angry. There should be protests. Not even protests against anybody but against the politicians that ‘we won’t vote’,” he had said.
Amaechi was one of the 14 hopefuls for the presidential ticket of the APC before the 2023 general election.
He came second in the primary election with 316 votes, behind eventual winner Tinubu, who secured 1, 271 votes.
