“Tinubu Thrives Because You Are Weak” — Amaechi to Opposition Leaders

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has said President Bola Tinubu is not Nigeria’s primary problem, arguing instead that the country’s political difficulties stem from a weak opposition.

Amaechi made the remarks on Thursday in Abuja during a press conference by opposition leaders titled “Urgent Call to Save Nigeria’s Democracy,” which drew several prominent figures from opposition parties.

“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 emphasised that opposition parties must clearly distance themselves from the ruling government to gain public confidence.

“The first thing we must know is that we must separate ourselves from the government in power. We must show the difference,” he stated.

Reflecting on his time in government under former President Muhammadu Buhari, Amaechi claimed electoral reforms were once halted after some ministers convinced Buhari not to sign the 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, saying that if he signed, Russia would hack the system and impose the wrong president on us, and he refused to sign,” he said, adding, “The same people are now shouting electoral reform.”

Amaechi further argued that Tinubu’s political strength is built on the weakness of his opponents.

“His strategy is simple. He’s trying something today, you are weak. He puts something bigger, you are weaker,” he said.

He also questioned the President’s confidence despite criticism, citing a recent trip to France.

“Which president goes to France when you are shouting that he is stealing our money? He still goes there. He will ask, ‘what will you do?’ You can do nothing,” Amaechi said.

According to him, real change will only occur when the opposition demonstrates the capacity to act.

“The day you show him you can do something, God will bless you,” he added.

The briefing was attended by leaders from several opposition political parties.