Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has made a startling revelation about the All Progressives Congress (APC), admitting that the party once paid women to stage protests against former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. The explosive confession was made in Abuja at a national conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria, organized by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development.
Amaechi, a former Governor of Rivers State and a key player in APC’s rise to power, also raised concerns about President Bola Tinubu’s grip on power, suggesting that the incumbent leader has no intention of relinquishing office in 2027. His statements, which have sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, come at a time of growing discontent with the ruling party.
In a moment of rare candor, Amaechi admitted that APC chieftains orchestrated paid demonstrations against Jonathan’s government during the party’s formative years. According to him, the protests were not driven by genuine grievances but were instead fueled by financial incentives.
“When APC was registered, I feared they might rig us out. So, we agreed to organize a demonstration at Eagle Square. We paid people to bring women and others,” Amaechi disclosed. However, in a dramatic twist, he recounted how the plan almost backfired. “When I arrived early to assess the situation, I was shocked to see that the women we brought were wearing ‘Jonathan for President’ shirts.”
His admission lays bare the extent to which political parties manipulate public sentiment, raising serious questions about the authenticity of mass protests and political mobilization in Nigeria.
Amaechi did not hold back in his criticism of Nigerian voters, accusing them of being easily swayed by politicians’ rhetoric and financial inducements. He lamented the electorate’s short memory, stating that citizens often fail to ask critical questions about governance, choosing instead to focus on temporary gains.
“We have sweet mouths; we repeat the same things every day. Tomorrow, they will call you in Lagos, and you will go. Somebody told me in Lagos, ‘Mr. Amaechi, these people that gathered here, we called them, gave them transport money, and they came. If tomorrow Tinubu does the same, they will also come,’” he said.
His comments highlight the deep-rooted culture of vote-buying and political patronage that continues to plague Nigeria’s democracy, where elections are often determined not by policies but by financial incentives.
Perhaps the most striking part of Amaechi’s speech was his blunt assessment of the 2027 presidential election. He warned that those expecting President Tinubu to relinquish power willingly are deluding themselves, stating that Nigerian politicians, including Tinubu, are more interested in maintaining control through manipulation and violence than in fair governance.
“Nobody has power that will give it to you, not even me,” he declared. “None of you here seated can defend the votes. You have complained, complained, and Nigerians have clapped for you.”
His words paint a bleak picture of Nigeria’s political future, suggesting that elections may not be won at the ballot box but through the use of force and strategic manipulation.
Amaechi’s revelations have sparked heated debates, with many questioning the sincerity of political activism in Nigeria. His confession about APC’s past tactics raises ethical concerns about how political parties operate behind the scenes, while his warning about Tinubu’s hold on power suggests that Nigeria’s democracy remains fragile.
As Nigerians brace for the 2027 elections, Amaechi’s words serve as both a warning and a challenge: Will the electorate break free from the cycle of manipulation, or will history repeat itself once again?
PIONEER NEWS 