We Paid Women For Demonstrations Against Jonathan’s Govt, Says Amaechi

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has expressed concerns that President Bola Tinubu may not be willing to relinquish power in 2027. Speaking at a national conference in Abuja organized by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development, Amaechi criticized the attitude of Nigerian voters, accusing them of being easily swayed by politicians’ promises and financial inducements.

Amaechi openly admitted that during the early days of the All Progressives Congress (APC), party leaders paid women to demonstrate against the government of then-President Goodluck Jonathan and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He recalled a time when APC supporters were mobilized for a demonstration at Eagle Square, with financial incentives provided to participants. However, he was taken aback when he arrived at the venue to find women wearing “Jonathan for President” shirts, revealing the extent of political manipulation at the time.

The former minister pointed out that many Nigerians fail to ask critical questions about governance, often prioritizing short-term benefits like transportation allowances offered by politicians. He also warned that citizens hoping for a change in the political elite, including the current administration, would be disappointed, emphasizing that no one in power is willing to willingly relinquish control.

Amaechi further argued that politicians, including President Tinubu, are more focused on maintaining power through manipulation and violence than on delivering fair governance. He cautioned that those hoping for Tinubu to step down voluntarily are wasting their time, stressing that the apathy of Nigerian voters allows politicians to get away with actions that would otherwise be unacceptable.