Former Nigerian Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi has sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, arguing that citizens fared better under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari’s leadership. Speaking during an online forum titled Weekend Politics on Saturday, Amaechi claimed Buhari’s government was “100 times better” and condemned the rising cost of living under Tinubu.
“For Christ’s sake, were you dying of hunger under Buhari?” he asked, highlighting steep utility and fuel expenses faced by households and businesses. “We pay ₦1 million weekly for electricity—₦4 million monthly. How many Nigerians can afford that? Add ₦300,000 for diesel, plus salaries and feeding, and it’s unsustainable.” Amaechi argued that comparing the two administrations was irrational, stating, “Why compare diamond to gold? This government isn’t even gold.”
His critique comes weeks after defecting from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), where he now collaborates with political heavyweights like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai. Amaechi pledged to support the ADC’s presidential candidate—on the condition of a transparent primary process—and vowed to campaign aggressively to oust Tinubu’s administration, which he labeled “clueless.”
“In a free and fair primary, the winner gets my full backing. I’ll work tirelessly to ensure the ADC replaces this government,” he said. The former minister also dismissed Tinubu’s Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project as a conduit for corruption, asserting, “That road is for stealing.” Amaechi added that electoral reforms would top his agenda if elected president, promising changes within six months of taking office.
Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, has grappled with inflation exceeding 33% and a weakened currency since Tinubu took office in May 2023. His reforms, including the controversial removal of fuel subsidies, have deepened hardship for millions. While Buhari’s tenure faced criticism for economic stagnation and security challenges, Amaechi’s remarks reflect growing dissent within political circles ahead of the 2027 elections. Analysts note his alignment with ADC figures signals potential coalition-building efforts to challenge the APC’s dominance.
Amaechi, a former APC stalwart who served as Buhari’s campaign director, has progressively distanced himself from the party since losing the 2022 presidential primary. His latest broadside underscores intensifying friction within Nigeria’s political landscape as opposition groups seek to capitalize on public dissatisfaction over inflation, unemployment, and infrastructure gaps.
