By Wealth Oghenemaro
Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has publicly announced his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing deep dissatisfaction with the party’s direction and alleging collusion between the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to manipulate upcoming elections.
Speaking after the unveiling of the interim leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Abuja, Amaechi did not hold back in his criticism of both the ruling party and the federal government. He painted a grim picture of the country’s economic reality, asserting that inflation is out of control and that ordinary Nigerians can no longer afford basic necessities.
“Nigeria is completely destroyed. People can’t eat. People can’t buy food. There’s no money to buy food. Inflation is at its peak,” he lamented. According to Amaechi, the economic hardship is further compounded by the APC’s alleged focus on power retention through questionable means, with INEC purportedly playing a role in this process.
Asked about his role within the APC and whether he had chosen to abandon the government he once served, Amaechi revealed he had effectively severed ties with the party even before his formal resignation on Tuesday night. “I never attended a single APC meeting. The last time they invited me, I warned them not to involve me again. I’m surprised they didn’t expel me,” he said.
On President Tinubu’s leadership, Amaechi was blunt: “I have never believed that Tinubu is fit to govern Nigeria.” He claimed the current administration has performed so poorly that some citizens now long for the return of former President Muhammadu Buhari, despite Buhari’s own controversial tenure.
“Under Buhari, the dollar was around ₦460. Now it’s over ₦1,500. That’s more than 100 percent depreciation,” he pointed out.
Reacting to suggestions that the current exchange rate might be part of a larger economic reform strategy, Amaechi dismissed the justification, stating, “Any policy that ignores the well-being of the people is not a real policy. President Tinubu himself said he’s not here to make Nigerians happy.”
When asked whether his sharp criticisms stemmed from personal ambition, Amaechi defended his stance. “I have the right to be ambitious. That’s not overambition,” he said.
He called for a national movement rather than just another political party — one that empowers Nigerians to reclaim control of governance from corrupt political elites.
