Amaechi Blasts Tinubu Over Economic Hardship, Accuses INEC of Stifling Opposition

Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has delivered a scathing assessment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of worsening the country’s economic crisis and pushing more Nigerians into poverty. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Amaechi declared that the current government has “completely buried the economy.”

Amaechi criticized the Tinubu-led administration for failing to translate its economic reforms into tangible benefits for ordinary Nigerians. Referring to the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira—both key policy decisions made shortly after Tinubu assumed office in 2023—he questioned the whereabouts of the purported savings from these reforms.

“You’re making savings from removing the subsidy, from floating the naira—where is the money? Where is it going?” Amaechi asked pointedly. He lamented that the country’s economic policies have resulted in a shrinking middle class and an explosion in the number of people living in extreme poverty. “We have a situation where only members of this government are in the rich class. The middle class has vanished, and the poor are increasing. At this rate, a time will come when we won’t even see the poor anymore—they’ll have all died,” he warned grimly.

Tinubu’s Economic Policies Under Fire as Cost of Living Soars

Amaechi’s comments come amid growing public frustration over skyrocketing food prices, escalating transportation costs, and the devaluation of the naira, which have collectively placed immense pressure on households across Nigeria. Critics argue that while subsidy removal and currency reforms were economically necessary, the absence of social safety nets and effective economic management has amplified suffering.

The former governor’s remarks reflect the views of many Nigerians who have watched the cost of basic necessities spiral out of control. The floating of the naira led to rapid depreciation of the currency, while fuel subsidy removal resulted in historic fuel price hikes. Together, these decisions have triggered an inflationary surge, worsening unemployment and deepening poverty.

Amaechi, who now plays a key role in the opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), positioned himself as an advocate for change, insisting that the current trajectory is unsustainable. His critique underscores the growing political and economic dissatisfaction ahead of the 2027 elections.

Buhari Outperformed Tinubu on Security and Institutional Independence, Says Amaechi

In a rare comparison of two presidents from his own political past, Amaechi argued that former President Muhammadu Buhari, despite falling short of his administration’s goals, performed better than President Tinubu on several fronts, especially security and the independence of institutions.

“Not everything was achieved. Buhari will tell you that he did not achieve all that he planned for. But then, he was better than the current government by all standards,” Amaechi asserted. He credited Buhari with maintaining a greater degree of security focus and ensuring the independence of key institutions like the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which he claims has since deteriorated under Tinubu’s watch.

Amaechi further ridiculed the current administration’s approach to governance, expressing dismay that President Tinubu would publicly commission a 16-kilometre road, which he described as a “local government chairman’s duty.” He emphasized that his criticism was not personal but rooted in what he sees as glaring governance failures. “If Tinubu was doing well, I’d be the first to sing his praises,” he said, adding that the worsening poverty in the country reflects poor leadership at the highest levels.

Power Rotation, 2027 Ambitions, and the Fight for Electoral Space

Touching on Nigeria’s long-standing practice of rotating power between the North and South, Amaechi revisited his role in supporting the emergence of a northern candidate in 2015 to preserve national stability. He suggested that equitable power-sharing remains essential for the country’s unity, even as he eyes the 2027 elections with his new coalition.

When asked if he would serve only one term as president if he emerged as the ADC’s candidate, Amaechi was unequivocal. “Of course. I told you. You know that I speak my mind,” he said, stressing the importance of respecting political agreements and the stability that power rotation provides.

Amaechi’s ADC coalition is positioning itself as a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He revealed that plans were underway to register the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) as a new political platform, though he accused INEC of deliberately stalling the process to protect the APC’s dominance.

INEC Accused of Closing Political Space to Stifle Opposition

In one of his most explosive claims, Amaechi accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of deliberately frustrating the registration of new political parties to restrict opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to him, the refusal to register new parties like the ADA is a calculated attempt to prevent the emergence of a strong opposition that could challenge the APC’s hold on power.

“The political space is closed for the benefit of the APC. I come to say that the INEC chairman is not ashamed,” Amaechi declared. He cited instances where prospective political parties had fulfilled registration requirements only to face unexplained delays, with some even losing their rented offices while waiting for INEC’s approval.

Amaechi called on Nigerians to rise and defend democracy by voting in large numbers and resisting electoral manipulation. He vowed that the ADC and its coalition partners would mobilize citizens to confront any attempt to rig the next elections. “Those who constitute this rigging machine are not up to 10, in fact, two per cent of the population. The rest 98 per cent must get up and stop them,” he charged.

As political tensions heat up ahead of the 2027 elections, Amaechi’s fierce criticism of the Tinubu administration, coupled with allegations of electoral interference, sets the stage for what promises to be a high-stakes battle for Nigeria’s future.