Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, has launched a blistering critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing the current government of failing to meet the expectations of Nigerians amid growing economic distress. In a frank interview with journalists, Amaechi expressed concern over the nation’s deteriorating conditions and confirmed his openness to forming or joining a political coalition to challenge Tinubu’s leadership in the 2027 general elections.

Loyalty to Party Not Loyalty to Failure

Although Amaechi remains a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), his recent comments mark a clear departure from the customary show of solidarity among party members. He emphasized that loyalty to a political party must not translate into blind allegiance to an underperforming administration.

“If the government is failing the country, you don’t just go along because you’re in the same party. You know that’s not right,” he stated, making it clear that national interest must come before party unity.

Amaechi, who once served as the Director-General of President Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign organization and was a prominent supporter of the APC’s rise to power, is now among a growing list of influential politicians voicing disappointment with the Tinubu administration’s performance.

Dire State of the Nation

Amaechi painted a grim picture of the country’s current state, pointing to widespread poverty, hunger, and despair. He admitted that the hardship has reached such a critical point that even political elites are no longer insulated from its impact.

“People are dying. People are starving. I myself am feeling the effects of hunger,” Amaechi confessed, adding a personal dimension to what millions of ordinary Nigerians experience daily.

Inflation, food insecurity, fuel price hikes, and currency depreciation have become defining issues under Tinubu’s leadership. While the administration continues to defend its economic reforms—particularly the fuel subsidy removal and the naira unification policy—critics argue that the government has failed to implement adequate cushioning mechanisms to protect the population from the resultant shocks.

A Growing Opposition Front

Amaechi’s public disapproval of Tinubu’s presidency has added fuel to speculation that he is positioning himself within a burgeoning opposition alliance. His recent 60th birthday celebration in Abuja served as more than just a personal milestone—it became a political event that drew the attention of analysts and power brokers alike.

Among the high-profile guests were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, both of whom have also been vocal critics of the current government. Their joint presence at the event, coupled with a shared narrative condemning Tinubu’s leadership, has been interpreted by political observers as an emerging opposition bloc ahead of the 2027 elections.

During the event, the trio accused President Tinubu of weaponizing poverty to stifle opposition and maintain control over the populace. According to them, the increasing economic hardship is not just a by-product of policy missteps but a deliberate strategy to undermine political dissent and social mobilization.

2027 Political Realignments Taking Shape

Amaechi’s open criticism of the Tinubu government marks a significant turning point in Nigeria’s pre-2027 political discourse. Long seen as a power player within the APC and an establishment figure, his decision to break ranks underscores the depth of dissatisfaction among some of the ruling party’s top echelon.

Political analysts believe Amaechi’s potential move toward the opposition could reshape the country’s political equation. His influence in the South-South, combined with Atiku’s northern support base and El-Rufai’s reach in the North-West, may give rise to a formidable political coalition capable of contesting Tinubu’s re-election bid.

While no formal announcement has been made about a coalition or a unified platform, the public appearances, coordinated criticisms, and mutual endorsements among these political heavyweights suggest that negotiations and alliances are already being quietly formed behind the scenes.

Fractures Within the APC

Amaechi’s dissent also highlights internal divisions within the APC, which has struggled to maintain cohesion amid growing discontent over its handling of governance. Several party stalwarts have complained privately about marginalization, lack of consultation, and poor policy decisions.

The criticism from within the party mirrors growing public frustration. From labor unions to civil society groups, there has been a steady drumbeat of protests and outcry over policies perceived as anti-poor. Fuel subsidy removal, electricity tariff hikes, and currency devaluation have all triggered backlashes in a country already grappling with high unemployment and a fragile economy.

Political Risk for Tinubu

For President Tinubu, Amaechi’s comments come at a sensitive time. Just over a year into his tenure, the administration is under pressure to show tangible progress in improving citizens’ living conditions. With inflation soaring and insecurity still widespread, critics argue that the government appears to lack a coherent strategy for national revival.

Tinubu’s allies have attempted to frame the criticism as opportunistic or politically motivated, but the caliber of voices joining the opposition chorus—especially from within his own party—suggests deeper systemic dissatisfaction.

The court challenge initiated by Tinubu’s team against the recently passed Tuscan-style euthanasia law in Nigeria’s judiciary, along with growing legal battles on other fronts, also reflect a government increasingly on the defensive.

Looking Ahead

Amaechi’s bold stance is a signal that Nigeria’s 2027 political contest may be far more contentious and unpredictable than previously imagined. As economic conditions continue to weigh heavily on citizens and the political elite begins to reposition itself, the next few months will likely bring increased agitation, coalition-building, and realignment.

The former minister’s assertion that loyalty must not blind people to the truth resonates with a populace growing weary of empty promises. Whether Amaechi becomes a leading figure in the push for change or plays the role of a kingmaker remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Nigeria’s political landscape is shifting, and the countdown to 2027 has begun.