Amaechi Blames Opposition for Tinubu’s Staying Power

Rotimi Amaechi, the former Minister of Transportation, has sparked fresh debate in Nigeria’s political circles by declaring that President Bola Tinubu is not the “invincible” force many believe him to be. Speaking at a public lecture that began trending on Friday, January 16, 2026, the chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) argued that the survival of the current administration is largely due to a fractured and unfocused opposition.

Amaechi, a former two-time governor of Rivers State, was blunt in his assessment of the country’s political landscape. He suggested that the opposition has failed to provide a viable alternative because it is too preoccupied with internal power struggles. Rather than focusing on national renewal or governance, he claims opposition leaders are trapped in endless cycles of ethnic and regional calculations.

The veteran politician highlighted a lack of substantial policy debate within rival parties. He noted that instead of asking how to improve the lives of citizens or presenting better candidates, the conversation remains stuck on power-sharing. For Amaechi, this focus on “whose turn it is” rather than “what needs to be done” is what allows the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to maintain its dominance despite widespread economic challenges.

Amaechi also directed a subtle critique at the electorate. He lamented that while the political elite are busy negotiating their way back into power, many voters are inadvertently helping them achieve these personal goals without demanding real change. This dynamic, he argued, creates a shield around the presidency that is more about opposition incompetence than the President’s own political strength.

The former minister revealed that he has already begun groundwork for the 2027 general elections. He confirmed that he has been holding strategic meetings with various political actors to discuss the possibility of unseating the incumbent. These disclosures come at a time when Amaechi has increasingly aligned himself with the ADC, positioning it as a core pillar of a growing opposition coalition.

During his address, Amaechi’s tone was one of urgency, reflecting a broader sentiment within the ADC that the 2027 polls represent a critical turning point for the nation. He urged his peers to move away from what he called “elite conversations” and start engaging with the reality of governance. For him, the path to victory lies in a unified front that prioritizes national interest over individual ambition.

The timing of his comments is significant, as the political temperature in Nigeria begins to rise three years into the Tinubu administration. Amaechi’s public reappearance and his focus on the 2027 cycle suggest that the “Ghetto President” and other opposition figures are already moving into a high-stakes chess match for the soul of the country.

As the video of his lecture continues to circulate, Amaechi’s message serves as a challenge to his colleagues. He believes that the aura of invincibility surrounding the presidency is a myth that can only be shattered if the opposition stops being its own worst enemy. The coming months will likely show whether his call for a “governance-first” approach will resonate or if the cycle of regional politics will once again define the road to the villa.