January 30, (THEWILL) – Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has warned Nigerians to be prepared to defend their mandate in the 2027 general elections, insisting that politicians will do whatever it takes—including stealing, maiming, and killing—to remain in power.
Speaking at a national conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria, organised by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development in Abuja, Amaechi cautioned that no Nigerian politician would freely relinquish power without a fight.
“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 in Nigeria is there 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.
The former Rivers State governor recalled how the All Progressives Congress secured victory in the 2015 presidential election, attributing it to the party’s determination to go the extra mile.
According to him, former President Goodluck Jonathan conceded defeat not out of goodwill but because the APC was ready to defend its mandate. He urged Nigerians to adopt similar measures in future elections.
THEWILL recalls that Amaechi had earlier expressed his disappointment at the way Nigerians are responding to the nation’s current economic challenges, stating that he had expected more visible reactions from citizens, particularly the youth.
In an interview last October with Igbere TV, Amaechi lamented the high cost of living, rising fuel prices, and other economic pressures. He stated that he was surprised by the calmness with which Nigerians have reacted.
“I expected more agitation, especially from the youth. I thought we would see protests in the streets, but it seems people are not expressing the kind of anger I expected. Look at what happened in Edo State, should any politician be campaigning in Edo State? See, some of us cannot afford to buy diesel again because it’s costly”, he said.
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