“Tinubu Thrives Because You Are Weak,” Amaechi Tells Opposition Leaders

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has said President Bola Tinubu is not the core problem facing Nigeria, arguing instead that the country’s political challenges are rooted in a weak and ineffective opposition.

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

“Tinubu is not our problem. The problem is the opposition. We are our own problem. When the opposition is ready, Nigeria will change,” he said.

‘Opposition Must Show Clear Difference’

Amaechi stressed that opposition parties must clearly distinguish themselves from the ruling government if they hope to gain public trust.

“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 office under former President Muhammadu Buhari, Amaechi claimed that an electoral reform bill was once stalled after some ministers allegedly persuaded Buhari not to assent to it.

“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,” Amaechi said. “The same people are now shouting electoral reform.”

‘Strength Built on Weakness’

According to Amaechi, Tinubu’s political dominance is largely sustained by the inability of opposition parties to mount effective resistance.

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

He also questioned critics of the President, citing Tinubu’s recent trip to France as an example of confidence in the face of public allegations.

“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.

Amaechi concluded that meaningful political change would only occur when opposition leaders demonstrate the resolve and capacity to challenge the ruling party effectively.

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