Politics
“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.
The Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has upheld the results of the Peoples Democratic Partys 2025 convention, which took place on November 15 and 16, 2025. Justice Ladiran Akintola of Court 5 delivered the ruling on Friday, after considering an application for joinder in the case. The court dismissed requests from Nwachukwu and others who had sought to pause the proceedings.
The judgment approved all 13 claims brought by the claimant, Folahan Malomo Adelabi, through his lawyer, Musbau Adetunmbi. With this decision, the leadership of the party, including the Dr. Taminu Turaki-led National Working Committee chosen at the convention, is now officially recognized by the court. This ruling ends disputes over the validity of the convention and confirms the partys internal election results in Ibadan.
In other news, fresh crisis has hit the Peoples Democratic Party in Taraba State after the newly formed 16-member State Caretaker Committee asked members of the dissolved State Working Committee to leave the partys state secretariat. The directive was made public on Thursday evening in a statement issued by the Caretaker Committee chairman, Dr. Falack Victor.
He said the former State Working Committee members no longer have the right to remain in the secretariat following their removal from office and warned that failure to comply could lead to legal steps against them. According to him, remaining in the party office after a lawful dissolution goes against the law.
The Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga, has reacted to the defection of Adamawa State Governor, Umaru Fintiri, from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress. Fintiri announced his move from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress in a statewide broadcast on Friday morning.
He said his decision was taken in the interest of Adamawa people and to attract more development to the state. According to him, working closely with the federal government would help bring more projects and benefits to residents. The governor also disclosed that several members of the State House of Assembly, commissioners, and party officials moved with him to the ruling party. Their defection is expected to strengthen the structure of the APC in Adamawa.
Reacting shortly after the announcement, Onanuga took to his social media page where he directed comments at former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar. He stated that any politician who lacks strong backing in his home state should not attempt to market himself to the rest of the country. His comment was seen as a direct jab at Atiku, who hails from Adamawa State.
The development has stirred fresh political discussions across the state. Adamawa has long been known as a strong base of the PDP, and Fintiris decision marks a shift in the states political alignment.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), ending months of speculation about his political future.
Fintiri, who was elected on the platform of the PDP, announced his defection in a statewide broadcast on Friday. He disclosed that the move was taken alongside members of his cabinet and all PDP officials across the state.
According to the governor, the decision to join the APC was made in what he described as the “developmental interest” of the people of Adamawa State. He noted that aligning with the ruling party at the federal level would enhance collaboration and accelerate ongoing infrastructure and social development projects in the state.
The defection marks a significant political shift in Adamawa, a state long considered a stronghold of the PDP in the North-East region. Political observers say the move could alter the balance of power ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Details of the governor’s formal reception into the APC and reactions from party stakeholders are expected in the coming hours.