Daud Olatunji
Former Rivers State Governor and African Democratic Congress Vice Presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, has sparked controversy after describing Nigerians who intend to vote for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election as “mad.”
Amaechi made the statement on Wednesday while addressing an ADC stakeholders’ town hall meeting in Edo State, where he urged residents to reject Tinubu and support the opposition party in the forthcoming election.
“Only mad people will vote for Tinubu. If Edo people vote for President Tinubu, that means Edo people are mad. If you’re not mad, Tinubu should not win here,” he said.
The former Minister of Transportation also accused the Tinubu administration of pursuing projects based on alleged financial interests rather than what he described as the broader economic needs of Nigerians.
Amaechi particularly questioned the planned development of another seaport in Ogun State, asking whether the state generates sufficient cargo to justify additional port infrastructure.
“So, Tinubu just hates you. No, I’m not joking. If Tinubu does not hate you, why is he building another seaport?” he asked.
He added, “In Ogun, what are the goods we are producing? What goods are we producing to have as many as that number of seaports?
“It is not because he likes Ogun people. It is the money he will make out of the construction.”
The former governor did not provide evidence during the town hall to substantiate his allegation that the President’s decision concerning the seaport was motivated by personal financial gain.
Amaechi, who is one of the prominent figures in the ADC-led opposition coalition, also urged Nigerians who want Tinubu defeated in 2027 to return to their communities and participate actively in the election.
He warned opposition supporters against staying away from the country or electoral process and expecting a change in government.
“If you want Tinubu to go, please go home. Go home. Go home,” he told supporters.
The ADC chieftain further cautioned voters to remain vigilant during the collation and declaration of results, alleging that electoral officials could be influenced to manipulate election outcomes.
“Because all the returning officers are human beings. They are Nigerians. Those who take bribes and return fake results and suffer for four years,” Amaechi said.
His comments came as opposition parties intensify mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the ADC positioning itself as a major platform for forces seeking to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Amaechi served as Rivers State governor between 2007 and 2015 before becoming Minister of Transportation under the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
The 2027 presidential election is expected to generate intense political competition, with the APC and opposition parties seeking to consolidate support across the country.
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