Former Nigerian Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, has made some startling revelations about the country’s political landscape. According to Amaechi, winning an election in Nigeria requires more than just “sweet talk”.
Amaechi, who has been involved in politics since his university days in 1989, emphasized that politicians are not willing to relinquish power easily, especially if they feel their performance is being questioned. He noted that taking power from politicians requires a willingness to “risk your life” and that defending one’s vote and reclaiming power cannot be done from the comfort of one’s own home.
Amaechi cited the example of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) handing over power to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015, stating that the APC’s willingness to “fight to the death” and readiness for war if they refused to concede defeat was a key factor in the transition.
Amaechi’s comments have sparked controversy, with many interpreting them as a candid admission of the harsh realities of Nigerian politics. As a seasoned politician who has held various offices, including Governor of Rivers State and Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Amaechi’s insights offer a unique perspective on the inner workings of Nigeria’s political system ¹.
