On Friday, Rotimi Amaechi, the ADC vice‑presidential candidate and former governor of Rivers State, declared that every official serving under Bola Tinubu has completely abandoned any feeling of shame. Amaechi made the remarks during an interview with News Central TV, warning that the current administration is driving Nigerians into hardship while still planning to contest the 2027 presidential election.
What were the main accusations?
Amaechi asserted that the suffering experienced by Nigerians is a direct result of Tinubu’s leadership. He questioned why the president is seeking another term and why the All Progressives Congress (APC) continues to support him, stating, "They should be in shame and allow other Nigerians to participate and change the country." He also blamed the nation’s economic distress on the so‑called "emilokan" mentality that helped Tinubu ascend to power, emphasizing that hunger does not discriminate by religion or region.
What does "emilokan" refer to?
The term, which translates to "our turn," is used to describe a perceived entitlement among certain political groups to occupy power. Amaechi argued that this mindset, rather than any specific religious or regional agenda, has led to the current crisis, adding, "There is no separate market for Christians, Muslims, or people from the North or South."
How does Amaechi view the upcoming 2027 poll?
He urged voters to evaluate candidates solely on performance and merit, rejecting appeals based on ethnicity, religion, or the notion of a rotational turn. "The 2027 poll should be judged on performance alone," he said.
Additional criticism of government projects
Amaechi expressed embarrassment over a recent ceremony where President Tinubu commissioned a 16‑kilometre road, describing such infrastructure as typically the responsibility of a local government chairman rather than the head of state.
Background context
Amaechi, who also served as Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation, has been a vocal critic of the Tinubu administration since taking up the ADC ticket. His comments come amid growing public discontent over inflation, power outages, and rising insecurity, issues that opposition parties say the government has failed to address adequately.
What does this mean for the political landscape?
By publicly challenging the president and the ruling party, Amaechi aims to position the ADC as a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 elections, hoping to attract voters tired of the status quo.