By Ed Malik, A | ed@ddnewsonline.com | posted January 30th, 2025
Upending calculations for 2027 presidential election in Nigeria, the former Transport Minister and ex-Rivers State governor, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, has called on Nigerians to take an active stand in defending their votes and ensuring credible leadership emerge.
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Amaechi’s remarks signal a strategic shift in Nigeria’s 2027 presidential race, reinforcing the narrative that electoral victory hinges on active citizen participation rather than passive expectation. His call for vigilance and resistance against electoral manipulation reflects growing concerns over democratic integrity and governance in Nigeria.
Amaechi stated this in Abuja at a national conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria, organised by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, emphasizing that power is not freely given and must be fought for, warning against complacency in the face of political challenges.
Amaechi drew on historical examples, including the election of Malam Ibrahim Shekarau as governor of Kano State, where mass mobilization and people’s resistance played a crucial role. He also cited the influence of popular resistance in Ghana’s presidential election.
By referencing past electoral mobilizations in Kano and Ghana, he underscores the power of grassroots movements in shaping political outcomes. He challenged Nigerians to take agency in the process, rather than waiting for leadership to be bestowed upon them, saying, “Nobody has power and will give it to you, not even me.”
The former governor stressed that Nigerians must be proactive in demanding the leadership they desire, rather than relying on others to hand it over. “You are talking and abusing people. Nobody has power and will give it to you, not even me. If you want a pastor as president, go and get one,” he said.
Given his political pedigree, as a former governor, minister, and a key figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Amaechi’s positioning in the lead-up to 2027 is notable and already ruffling some feathers. While he has not explicitly declared interest in the race, his rhetoric suggests a readiness to influence the process, either as a candidate or kingmaker. But his emphasis that President Tinubu will not give up power, is seen as gaslight by political pundits to indicate a potential campaign signal or simply advocacy for democratic values.
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Interestingly, his speech also subtly critiques political complacency within the APC and opposition parties. As Nigeria navigates economic hardship and governance challenges, his message resonates with those seeking a shift from elite-driven politics to a more participatory democracy.