ABUJA — Former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi on Tuesday openly criticised the administration of Bola Tinubu, accusing it of restricting citizens’ rights, putting pressure on institutions and worsening the economic situation, as other political figures warned that Nigeria’s democracy is facing growing strain.
The comments, made at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) national convention, reflected a wider mood among opposition figures, who spoke about political pressure, concerns over the judiciary and the daily realities of hardship and insecurity, while urging greater unity ahead of future elections.
Those who spoke included Amaechi; Former Sokoto state governor Aminu Tambuwal; and opposition figure, Buba Galadima, among other leaders present at the convention.
“What do you say to these men? Men who have no shame. What do you say to the President? What do you say to his officers? They have no shame,” Amaechi said.
Amaechi questioned attempts to stop political gatherings, saying such actions go against constitutional rights, and suggested that those in power were no longer concerned about public opinion.
“Why would a government official try to deny you your right to gather when the Constitution says you can gather?” he asked.
He also spoke about the economic pressure on businesses and ordinary Nigerians, pointing to taxes and asking how government revenue is being used.
“Company tax is now 30%. It means if you have 100 million in your account as a company, they will take 30 million. What are they doing with the money?” he said.
Amaechi linked the situation to insecurity across parts of the country, describing people fleeing their communities and questioning the response of those in authority.
“Your citizens are trekking from one village to another. And you’re doing nothing,” he said.
He warned that the situation could get worse, especially as financial pressures increase, and urged Nigerians to look closely at their living conditions.
“If you Nigerians are not hungry, you can attack me as much as you want. The situation is bad. It’s terrible,” Amaechi added.
‘Let no judge be used to destroy Nigeria’ — Tambuwal warns Judiciary
Aminu Tambuwal focused on the role of the judiciary, warning against outside influence and urging judges to act with integrity at a critical time.
“Let no judge or justice allow himself to be used to destroy Nigeria. History is taking note of our roles as individuals,” Tambuwal said.
He reminded those in positions of authority that their decisions carry long-term consequences and stressed the importance of accountability.
“Those of you who are in privileged positions should be accountable… God Almighty is watching over you,” he said.
Tambuwal also spoke about the need for political actors to work together, describing the moment as one that requires collective effort rather than individual ambition.
“It is about unity of purpose and ambition for this country. It is about our vision and collective desire to rescue Nigeria,” he added.
‘We were threatened out of venue’ — Galadima
Buba Galadima said the convention itself nearly did not hold, alleging that the venue was withdrawn under pressure from authorities.
“We got a message that this venue was actually cancelled because the owner was threatened, that if he allows us to be here, they will revoke his certificate of occupancy,” Galadima said.
He said organisers went ahead with the event despite the situation, describing it as a necessary stand.
“Even if Abuja will burn to ashes today, we will hold this convention in this hall. And so we did,” he said.
“They may not even allow us to campaign in Nigeria. We must assert ourselves whether they like it or not,” he added.
