Amaechi Says Buhari Did Better Than Tinubu Slams President

Rotimi Amaechi, Nigeria’s former Minister of Transportation, has openly criticised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, saying that the previous administration under Muhammadu Buhari outperformed the current one across key sectors.

Amaechi, who served both as a state governor and cabinet minister, made his remarks during a recent interview on Channels Television, where he compared the two APC-led governments.

In his view, Buhari, though far from perfect, showed more effort in tackling insecurity and allowed greater independence for national institutions like the electoral body. He said that while Buhari admitted his government didn’t meet all its goals, it still delivered more than what Tinubu’s government has done so far. Amaechi said the security situation and economic hardship under Tinubu have worsened, with inflation and hunger rising sharply.

He pointed to INEC as a specific example of declining autonomy, claiming that under Buhari, the commission operated more freely. He alleged that the present administration is manipulating the political space by frustrating the registration of new parties, adding that some parties trying to get registered have even been forced out of their offices due to unpaid rent.

Amaechi expressed frustration over the direction of governance, especially with the fanfare around what he considers basic accomplishments. He described the recent commissioning of a 16-kilometre road by President Tinubu as embarrassing, comparing it to the duties of a local government chairman, not a president.

He also criticised the administration’s handling of the economy, questioning the whereabouts of funds saved from fuel subsidy removal and currency reforms. According to him, these policies have not improved the lives of ordinary Nigerians, but instead worsened the gap between the wealthy and the poor. He warned that the middle class is disappearing, and the country is now divided between a struggling majority and a few powerful elites.

Amaechi denied claims that his criticism of Tinubu is personal or driven by political bitterness. He stated that he has no interest in government appointments and is not speaking out because he was denied one. He maintained that his political record is clean and invited anyone with evidence of wrongdoing during his time in office to come forward.

He said that he would soon publish personal documents including his health records, birth certificate, and school qualifications to demonstrate openness and readiness for public scrutiny. According to him, if he becomes president, he would not travel abroad for medical treatment, showing that he believes in the Nigerian healthcare system if managed well.

Amaechi also spoke about his presidential ambition and his belief that he has what it takes to lead Nigeria. He said that hunger and insecurity would not be this severe under his watch. He pointed to his time as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and later as governor as proof of his leadership ability.

He restated his support for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the platform being used by a growing coalition of political actors who say they want to offer Nigerians an alternative to the current system. He said the coalition is not just about elections, but about shifting political power back to the people. Amaechi hinted that the fate of a potential new party, the African Democratic Alliance (ADA), will depend on decisions from the ADC leadership.

He also accused the Independent National Electoral Commission of helping the ruling party suppress competition by making it harder for new parties to register and compete. Amaechi’s strong words come at a time when economic pain, insecurity, and political tension are driving debate about who should lead Nigeria next.

With the 2027 general election approaching, Amaechi’s statements suggest that he is positioning himself not only as a critic of the current system but also as a contender ready to challenge it.