Amaechi accuses Tinubu of lacking in capacity to lead Nigeria

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AKINWALE ABOLUWADE

Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, a former Minister of Transportation, has bemoaned the state of the nation, saying that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a total failure who is lacking in capacity to govern Nigeria.

Amaechi spoke during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, monitored on Tuesday. He addressed his exit from the All Progressives Congress, the Federal Government’s tax reforms, the role of security agencies, electoral reforms and his 2027 presidential ambition.

Explaining his decision to leave the APC after the party’s 2023 presidential primaries, the former Rivers State governor said his action was based on principle.

The chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, stated that “I did not agree with the choice of presidential candidate. I did not believe he had the capacity to govern Nigeria, and I still do not. What is happening today has confirmed my position.”

Amaechi maintained that remaining in the party would have amounted to dishonesty, adding that his previous working relationship with Tinubu informed his judgement.

The ex-minister accused the administration of abandoning democratic ideals and drifting towards authoritarianism, alleging that security agencies were being used to intimidate critics and opposition figures.

“Tinubu preached democracy, but what we are seeing today is autocracy. Security agencies are being deployed to suppress dissent,” he stated.

On the Federal Government’s tax reforms, Amaechi described the policies as harsh and oppressive, warning that they would worsen economic hardship.

He questioned the claim that Nigerians earning below ₦800,000 annually would be exempted from tax, noting that the new minimum wage of ₦70,000 per month translates to ₦840,000 annually.

He also cited provisions of the National Tax Administration Act which, according to him, grant excessive powers to tax authorities, including asset seizure and enforcement measures without adequate safeguards.

Amaechi further alleged widespread surveillance of political actors and accused the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, of orchestrating plans to manipulate the 2027 general elections; an allegation yet to be responded to by the Presidency or the NSA’s office as of the time of filing this report.

He claimed there were moves to weaken opposition parties, including the ADC, through internal disruptions and parallel structures.

On the debate over electronic transmission of election results, Amaechi accused the APC-led Senate of resisting transparency.

“The only reason they are fighting real-time transmission is fear of losing elections. If you want transparent polls, invest in the technology and provide the infrastructure,” he said.

The former minister confirmed his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election on the ADC platform, expressing confidence in securing the party’s ticket.
“If I lose, I will remain in ADC. But I believe I will get the ticket. I am the most experienced among the aspirants,” he said.

Amaechi highlighted his political trajectory as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two-term governor, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Minister of Transportation, as well as Director-General of the Muhammadu Buhari Campaign.

“I led the opposition that defeated a sitting president. That experience is critical. Nigeria needs energy, capacity and experience,” he added.