Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Transportation, has stated that Nigerians must actively take control of their future to prevent President Bola Tinubu from winning the 2027 election.
Speaking at the 2025 Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey Report launch by the Africa Polling Institute in Abuja, Amaechi emphasized that change cannot come from wishful thinking or passive complaining.
“The only way to stop Tinubu in 2027 is to treat the election as Nigerians versus the bandits. If you think it will happen by just sitting down, may God help you,” he said.
Amaechi criticized Nigerians for grumbling privately while elites continue to dominate and exploit the country. He stressed that although elites know the public is unhappy, the people have rendered themselves powerless by remaining inactive.
He pointed to examples in Bangladesh, Peru, and Kenya where mass protests successfully ousted unpopular leaders.
“Nigeria is the most docile society I’ve ever seen. Tell me, has there ever been a revolution without blood? Any revolution without blood is a failure,” he warned.
Amaechi also shared a personal moment, saying he once wanted to leave Nigeria but his wife insisted they stay, calling Nigeria “lovable.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s past unity among groups like NANS, NLC, and ASUU in pressuring the government, he lamented the current lack of mobilization, blaming ethnic divisions for weakening protest efforts.
He stated, “We pushed away the military and brought in politicians, but politicians have proven worse.”
Drawing on his experience as governor, Amaechi explained how economic hardship fuels crime, and how timely government payments to workers and suppliers can help reduce criminal activities.
Professor Bell Ihua, Executive Director of Africa Polling Institute, presented survey data revealing that 83% of Nigerians distrust the Tinubu administration, with similar low trust levels in the National Assembly and judiciary. He urged policymakers to use these findings to rebuild public confidence.
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