Amaechi Warns Nigerians: “Power Won’t Be Given, You Must Fight for It

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has issued a stark warning to Nigerians about the need to actively fight for political power, stressing that it will not be handed over to anyone willingly. Speaking at a national conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria, Amaechi emphasized the importance of political vigilance and urged Nigerians to be prepared for the challenges that come with securing credible leadership.

The conference, held in Abuja by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development, saw Amaechi passionately discussing the realities of Nigerian politics, where power struggles are common, and extreme measures are often employed to win elections.

“Power is not given freely,” Amaechi asserted. “If you want power, you must be prepared to fight for it. No one will simply give it to you, not even me. If you want a pastor as president, go and find one who can deliver it to you. In Nigeria, politicians will do whatever it takes to stay in power, including stealing, maiming, and killing.”

Amaechi recalled the 2015 presidential election, where the newly formed All Progressives Congress (APC) managed to defeat the long-ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He attributed the APC’s success to the unwavering commitment of its leaders, who were ready to go to any lengths to defend their mandate. He also drew comparisons to the 2020 election in Ghana, where citizens were prepared to die to ensure their votes counted, emphasizing that Nigerians need to adopt a similar mindset to safeguard their democracy.

He shared his dismay over the current political climate, where many Nigerians remain passive despite ongoing economic and leadership challenges. “You can complain all you want, but if you aren’t willing to defend your votes and fight for the right to lead, you are wasting your time,” he warned.

Amaechi’s remarks follow his earlier disappointment with the lack of action from Nigerians in response to the country’s economic struggles. He pointed out that former President Goodluck Jonathan conceded defeat in 2015 because he realized the opposition was ready to fight for their mandate, encouraging Nigerians to prepare for future elections in the same way.

The former APC presidential aspirant in the 2023 general elections, who finished second in the party’s primaries, also criticized those he believed were responsible for Nigeria’s current state, including those within the ruling APC. The party, in turn, responded by accusing Amaechi of contributing to the nation’s struggles.

Amaechi’s call for a more active and determined approach to politics reflects his frustration with the complacency he perceives among Nigerian voters and politicians alike. He stressed that only through dedication and readiness to fight for the democratic process can Nigeria hope to secure a brighter political future.

Amaechi