Former Minister of Transportation and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential running mate, Rotimi Amaechi, has warned President Bola Tinubu against rigging the 2027 presidential election, cautioning that such an action could threaten Nigeria’s stability and unity.
Amaechi issued the warning during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he expressed concerns about the country’s worsening economic situation, widespread hunger and growing frustration among Nigerians.
The former Rivers State governor maintained that President Tinubu must ensure a credible and transparent electoral process in 2027, warning that the consequences of manipulating the outcome could be severe.
According to Amaechi, the level of hardship in the country has left many Nigerians dissatisfied with the government, making it imperative for the President to address their concerns and improve their living conditions.
“Tinubu will not rig this election because there may not be a Nigeria if he rigs this election,” Amaechi stated.
He argued that Nigerians are increasingly frustrated by economic challenges, particularly rising food prices, poverty and the high cost of living. He urged the President to prioritise the welfare of citizens by ensuring that they have access to affordable food and other basic necessities.
“The people are tired; they are hungry. The President can help them by giving them food,” he added.
Amaechi also questioned how the Federal Government has utilised the revenue generated from the removal of the petrol subsidy, demanding that Nigerians be allowed to feel the benefits of the policy.
“Where are the funds from the removal of subsidy? Where is the money? We want to feel it. Nobody hates Tinubu, I love Tinubu; he knows,” the former minister said.
His remarks highlight the growing political debate surrounding the Tinubu administration’s economic policies and preparations for the 2027 general elections, as opposition figures continue to demand accountability, improved governance and credible elections.
Amaechi Attacks Bayo Onanuga
During the television interview, Amaechi also criticised Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, accusing him of making false claims and questioning his conduct in public.
The ADC chieftain said he had known Onanuga for several years, dating back to his time as a secondary school student when the presidential aide was already working with Newswatch magazine.
Amaechi explained that he had deliberately avoided responding to Onanuga’s comments because of the respect he traditionally accords older people.
“I always told Bayo Onanuga that I was in secondary school when he started working with Newswatch and he’s still there as Chief Press Secretary,” he said.
He added that his cultural background encourages him to address older people with respect, even when he disagrees with their statements.
“I won’t respond to him because in my tradition I’m supposed to call him Dede, meaning an Elder,” Amaechi stated.
However, the former transportation minister accused Onanuga of making misleading statements, warning that elders who conduct themselves poorly in public could lose the respect traditionally accorded to them.
“The problem with such elders is that if they come out in public space in my village and mess themselves up, sometimes the young ones would join them and mess them up. I think he is lying,” he added.
2027 Election: Amaechi Calls for Improved Governance
Amaechi’s warning comes amid increasing political activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with opposition politicians raising concerns about the economy, electoral credibility and the performance of the Tinubu administration.
Although Amaechi expressed strong criticism of the government’s handling of economic challenges, he clarified that his position was not driven by personal hatred for the President.
His declaration that he loves Tinubu, despite disagreeing with his policies, underscores his argument that the government must focus on addressing the suffering of Nigerians rather than interpreting criticism as personal hostility.
The former minister’s comments also place renewed attention on the need for credible elections, political accountability and policies capable of easing the economic difficulties facing millions of Nigerians.
As political parties and their leaders prepare for the 2027 elections, the debate over electoral transparency, the management of public resources and the government’s response to widespread hardship is expected to remain central to the country’s political discourse.