Former Governor of Rivers State and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has called on Nigerians to be resolute in defending their votes in the 2027 general elections, emphasizing the critical role of citizen participation in safeguarding democracy.
Amaechi made these remarks while speaking as a panelist at the recently concluded National Conference on Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria, organized by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s political history, he highlighted the decisive role played by the then-opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in unseating former President Goodluck Jonathan during the 2015 elections. According to him, political change does not occur merely through complaints or passive engagement but through the collective determination of the electorate to uphold the sanctity of the ballot.
Addressing the audience, Amaechi expressed skepticism about Nigerians’ willingness to actively defend their votes, warning that without vigilance, democratic principles could be undermined.
“None of you seated here can truly defend the votes. You have been complaining, and Nigerians have been applauding you, but that alone is not enough. The only reason Ibrahim Shekarau became governor was because people lined up and defended their choice,” he stated, referring to Shekarau’s historic electoral victory in Kano State.
Amaechi further cautioned that political power is not willingly relinquished, stressing that entrenched political interests often resort to extreme measures, including intimidation and electoral malpractice, to retain control.
“The politician in Nigeria is there to steal, maim, and kill to remain in power. If you think power will simply be handed over, you are mistaken. No one— not even me—will give it to you freely. If you want a pastor as president, then mobilize and ensure one gets elected. But without active engagement, change will not happen.”
In a direct reference to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Amaechi urged Nigerians to discard any illusions that power transitions would occur smoothly without active resistance from vested interests.
“If you believe Tinubu will simply hand over power to you, you are wasting your time. Political power is not a gift; it is taken through strategy, resilience, and unwavering commitment to democratic principles,” he asserted.
His remarks underscore a broader concern about electoral integrity, voter apathy, and the resilience of democratic institutions in Nigeria. As the country approaches another election cycle, his comments serve as a stark reminder of the need for an informed, vigilant, and proactive electorate to ensure that votes cast at the polls translate into genuine democratic outcomes.
