Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, who also served as the immediate past Minister of Transportation, said that the shortcomings experienced in the recent election represent a complete failure of governance in the country. Speaking after casting his ballot in Ubima, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State on Saturday, Amaechi criticized Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike for claiming he had the authority to declare anyone “wanted.”
Wike had declared 27 opposition politicians wanted over an alleged plot to disrupt the elections, but Amaechi faulted the directive. He noted that at the start of the February 11, 2023 elections, many praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), yet the process ultimately proved “one of the worst elections in the history of Nigeria.” He described the situation as a “total failure of governance,” adding that police were assisting the PDP in arresting APC and SDP members, while the governor had no right to declare anyone wanted.
According to Amaechi, people are being declared wanted while the Inspector General of Police does nothing, leading to widespread voter apathy—particularly in Rivers State, where fear is keeping citizens from the polls. He also alleged that result sheets in some areas appeared fake, though he admitted he has no concrete evidence.
On the matter of advice to the Federal Government and INEC, Amaechi said he had already spoken extensively with all concerned parties before the election. He pointed out that those who opposed the reappointment of Mahmood—nominated by a member of President Tinubu’s camp—should have anticipated the current challenges.
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