The Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has strongly condemned former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi’s recent comments about President Bola Tinubu, describing them as a threat to democracy, national unity, and peace. Amaechi, in a national conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria organized by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development, made controversial remarks that have sparked widespread backlash.
During the conference, Amaechi stated that Nigerian politicians often resort to violence and electoral malpractice to maintain power, a sentiment that has raised eyebrows within political circles. He further suggested that those expecting President Tinubu to relinquish power in 2027 were misguided, implying that the political landscape could see aggressive actions to retain power.
In response to Amaechi’s remarks, Ohanaeze Ndigbo issued a strong condemnation through its Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, who spoke on behalf of the group in Kaduna on Saturday. Isiguzoro denounced Amaechi’s rhetoric as dangerous, divisive, and highly irresponsible, stressing that such statements could undermine the stability and democracy Nigeria has worked so hard to build.
“Amaechi’s outrageous call for Nigerians to resort to ‘brutal force’ in an attempt to snatch power from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by 2027 starkly contravenes the principles of civility, democracy, and peace that we hold dear,” the statement read. “His equally disconcerting assertion that politicians must be willing to ‘steal, maim, and kill’ to retain power not only diminishes the dignity of our political discourse but also poses a dire threat to the very fabric of our society.”
The Igbo organization further stated that it would never support any political strategy aimed at destabilizing a democratically elected government. “It is essential to declare firmly that the Ndigbo will never endorse any political conspiracy aimed at undermining the legitimacy of an elected President,” Ohanaeze’s statement emphasized.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo also expressed its unwavering support for President Tinubu, reaffirming its commitment to peace, stability, and the continued pursuit of good governance in Nigeria. “We unequivocally lend our support to the position articulated by the Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle,” the statement continued, echoing Matawalle’s call for Amaechi to retract his divisive remarks.
The group condemned the former Minister of Transport’s incendiary rhetoric, which it described as a serious violation of democratic norms. “We condemn in the strongest possible terms the reckless and incendiary comments made by Chibuike Amaechi against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Isiguzoro stated, further urging the public to reject such dangerous ideas that threaten the nation’s peace.
Amaechi’s call for the use of violent tactics to wrest power from a sitting president has been criticized by many political analysts as a direct attack on Nigeria’s democratic process. Many argue that his statement was reckless and could incite chaos, undermining the peaceful transition of power that is fundamental to the country’s stability.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo, one of the leading Igbo socio-cultural organizations, reiterated its firm stance on the importance of legitimate leadership and the need for all political actors to respect the democratic process. “Let it be said that the aspirations of the Igbo people align with a future predicated upon legitimate leadership, respect for democratic processes, and a shared vision for a prosperous Nigeria.”
