Former Minister of Transportation and stalwart of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has flayed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing his administration as “a total failure” while tagging him as a politician that “lacks the capacity to govern Nigeria.”
Amaechi made the remarks during a no-holds-barred interview on “Frontline’, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese Ijebu, monitored on Tuesday, where he addressed his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC), the federal government’s controversial tax reforms, the role of security agencies, electoral reforms, the 2027 presidential race, and his record in public service.
Explaining his exit from the ruling APC after the party’s 2023 presidential primaries, Amaechi, who eyes the presidency in 2027 said his decision was rooted in principle, not personal grievance.
“The truth is simple. 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 believe so. What is happening today has only confirmed my position. If I believe that someone lacks capacity, how then do I remain in the same party supporting that leadership? That would make me dishonest. I had worked closely with him, so I knew exactly what I was talking about. Nigerians may not have had the opportunity to work with him closely, but I did. That experience shaped my judgment”, Amaechi stressed.
While insisting that Tinubu’s government has failed Nigerians, Amaechi accused the government of abandoning democratic ideals, drifting towards authoritarianism, and deploying state institutions to suppress dissent. “Tinubu preached democracy, but today, what we are seeing is autocracy. Security agencies are being used to intimidate critics and opposition figures,” he said.
He also criticized the Federal Government’s Tax Reforms, saying that “Nigerians are in trouble because the reforms are harsh, oppressive, and dangerous for ordinary Nigerians. The expanded tax net, VAT policies, enforcement powers, and penalty regimes would worsen poverty and economic hardship.
“They say people earning below ₦800,000 annually will not pay tax, but when you calculate the new minimum wage of ₦70,000 multiplied by 12 months, you get ₦840,000. That means almost every Nigerian worker will pay tax. Have you seen their deception?”, Amaechi said while citing provisions of the new tax laws, which he alleged grant excessive powers to tax authorities.
“Section 35 of the National Tax Administration Act makes you guilty until you prove yourself innocent. Section 61 allows them to seize and sell your assets within 14 days. Section 60 compels banks to hand over your money without court approval. Section 62 allows them to enter your premises by force. Nigerians should ask questions now or they will regret it.”
He warned that the full impact of the reforms would only become visible after elections, stressing that “All these temporary reliefs are election strategies. After elections, Nigerians will feel the real burden,” he said.
Speaking on the security agencies and engagement with El-Rufai, former Kaduna State governor, Amaechi alleged widespread surveillance and intimidation of political actors, saying, “The NSA listens to everybody. They monitor who you meet, where you go. They are arresting Muslims, Christians, opposition figures. That is not democracy,” he said.
He dismissed claims that El-Rufai wiretapped government officials but insisted that political repression was becoming systemic, while levelling serious allegations against the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, claiming that he is orchestrating a plan to manipulate the 2027 general elections. He accused Ribadu of preparing for dual elections, one ostensibly for President Tinubu and another targeting his own political opponents, including members of the African Democratic Congress, through a “fake ADC” setup designed to confuse voters and undermine genuine opposition.
“Everywhere you go, they monitor who you see. The NSA is busy arresting everybody. They’re arresting Muslims, Christians. He’s stopping them. He’s planning a double election. He’s planning an election for himself in 2031.And he’s planning an election for Tinubu in 2027. And all he’s doing is, first, he’s setting up parties up and down. He’s fighting the ADC.” Amaechi said.
On the controversy surrounding the proposed removal of real-time transmission of election results, Amaechi accused the APC-led Senate of deliberately undermining transparency. “The only reason they are fighting real-time transmission is because they are afraid of losing elections. If you want transparent elections, fund the technology. Buy Starlink. Provide infrastructure. They are looking for excuses,” he stated.
He used the occasion to confirm his interest in contesting the 2027 presidential election on the ADC platform, expressing confidence in securing the party’s ticket. His words, “If I lose, I will remain in ADC. But I believe I will get the ticket. I am the most experienced among all aspirants,” he said.
He cited his extensive political résumé as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two-term governor, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Minister of Transportation, and opposition campaign strategist.
“I was Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two-term governor, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Director-General of the Buhari Campaign, Minister of Transportation, and I led the opposition that defeated an incumbent president. That institutional knowledge matters.”
“I am the first Nigerian to lead an opposition that defeated a sitting president. That experience is critical. Don’t give assignments that age will not allow people to do. Nigeria needs energy, capacity, and experience,” he said.
