The African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, has shared his experience of how a threat from former President Olusegun Obasanjo forced him to leave Nigeria for Ghana while fighting to become governor of Rivers State. Amaechi revealed that Obasanjo tried to stop him from becoming governor, and when threatened with arrest, he left the country. He continued his legal battle from Ghana until he eventually became governor.
According to Amaechi, he left Nigeria for Ghana after Obasanjo threatened to have him arrested. From Ghana, Amaechi fought his case in court, ultimately becoming the governor of Rivers State. He described his emergence as unusual, saying he became governor through a court ruling rather than a conventional election victory. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had won the election, but the court recognised Amaechi as the party’s lawful candidate.
Amaechi made these revelations while urging Nigerian youths to take a more active role in the country’s leadership and political affairs. He encouraged young people to use their numbers to bring about political change, saying they could become governors, ministers, and other leaders. Amaechi cited an example of a country where young people played a major role in removing an established leader, suggesting that Nigerian youths could achieve similar results.
The ADC vice-presidential candidate emphasised that young people should not allow political, regional, or other considerations to stop them from challenging leaders when necessary. He urged them to take responsibility for the country’s future instead of remaining silent in the face of political developments. Amaechi’s remarks were made in a video shared on X, where he shared his experience of fighting Obasanjo from Ghana.
Amaechi’s emergence as governor of Rivers State was a result of a legal dispute. Although the PDP won the election, the court recognised him as the party’s lawful candidate, paving the way for him to become governor. This unusual circumstance led to Amaechi becoming governor through a court ruling rather than a conventional election victory.
The incident highlights the complexities of Nigerian politics and the challenges faced by those seeking leadership positions. Amaechi’s experience serves as an example of the lengths to which individuals must go to achieve their goals in the country’s political landscape. His story may inspire young people to take an active role in politics and challenge established leaders.
Amaechi’s comments have sparked reactions from various quarters, with some Edo APC members petitioning the police over Amaechi’s remarks. The ADC vice-presidential candidate has also faced criticism, with some describing him as a loafer outside public office. Despite this, Amaechi remains committed to his goal of encouraging young people to take an active role in Nigerian politics.
Key points
- Amaechi was forced to leave Nigeria for Ghana due to a threat from Obasanjo.
- He became governor of Rivers State through a court ruling rather than a conventional election victory.
- Amaechi is urging Nigerian youths to take an active role in the country’s leadership and political affairs.
