Amaechi: Opposition’s Weakness, Not Tinubu, Fueling Nigeria’s Political Woes

 

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has declared that President Bola Tinubu is not the nation’s primary problem, attributing Nigeria’s political challenges to the ineffectiveness of opposition parties.

Amaechi spoke during a press briefing by opposition leaders in Abuja on Thursday, themed “Urgent Call to Save Nigeria’s Democracy.”

According to the former minister, the opposition’s inability to present a strong alternative is undermining democratic progress.

“Tinubu is not our problem. The problem is the opposition. We are our own problem. When the opposition is ready, Nigeria will change,” Amaechi said.

He stressed the importance of opposition parties clearly differentiating themselves from the ruling government to gain the trust of Nigerians.

“The first thing we must understand is that we must separate ourselves from those in power. We must show the difference,” he added.

Recalling his experience in government under former President Muhammadu Buhari, Amaechi alleged that electoral reforms were once stalled by ministers who dissuaded Buhari from signing a reform bill. “When I was in government during Buhari’s time, he wanted electoral reform. A few ministers went to him and convinced him not to sign, claiming foreign interference would manipulate the system. He refused. And now, the same people are calling for electoral reform,” he said.

Amaechi also observed that President Tinubu’s political maneuvers exploit the weaknesses of his opponents. “His strategy is simple: he tries something, you are weak; he raises the stakes, you are weaker,” he remarked.

He further questioned the President’s audacity in facing criticism. “Which president goes to France amid allegations of corruption and asks, ‘What will you do? You can do nothing?’” he noted.

Amaechi concluded that meaningful change in the country will only occur when opposition parties demonstrate they can act decisively. “The day you show him you can do something, God will bless you,” he stated.

The press conference drew leaders from several opposition parties, underscoring growing concern over the country’s democratic trajectory.