In a provocative statement, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has urged Nigerians to be prepared to fight for power, warning that those currently in positions of authority, including Bola Tinubu, will not relinquish control without a struggle. Amaechi’s comments, which have sparked intense debate and discussion, appear to be a call to action for Nigerians to take an active role in shaping the country’s future and demanding accountability from its leaders.

Former Minister of Transportation in Nigeria and Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has asserted that President Bola Tinubu will not readily hand over power to the younger generation, highlighting that politicians often go to great lengths to secure electoral victories.

Amaechi shared these remarks in Abuja during a national conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria, hosted by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development.

He explained that Nigerian politicians are determined to retain power by any means, and even if citizens demand change, power will not be freely relinquished, citing past events in Nigeria and Ghana as examples.

“None of you here can defend the votes,” he said. “If you have complained, complain, Nigerians have been clapping for you. The only way Ibrahim Shekarau became governor was because people lined up.”

He continued, “It happened in Ghana before the election of the last president. Two days, many of us were called to intervene. Why? Because the people were ready to die.”

Amaechi further stated, “You are talking and abusing everybody. Nobody has power and will give it to you—not even me. If you want a pastor as president, go and get one.

“The politician in Nigeria is there to steal, maim, and kill to remain in power.

“If you think Tinubu will give it to you, you are wasting your time,” Amaechi added, stressing the need for political vigilance.

Amaechi also reflected on his experience during the 2015 presidential election, stating that the APC’s victory was driven by the party leaders’ determination to go the extra mile.

According to Amaechi, President Goodluck Jonathan conceded defeat because APC was prepared to defend its mandate.

He urged Nigerians to adopt similar measures in elections.