2027: ‘Only Mad People Will Vote for Tinubu,’ Amaechi Tells Edo Residents

BY TAIBAT UMMI YAKUBU

Former Minister of Transportation and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Rotimi Amaechi has launched a verbal attack on President Bola Tinubu, declaring that Nigerians who support his re-election bid in 2027 would be making the wrong choice.

Amaechi made the remarks during a town hall meeting in Edo State on Thursday, where he urged residents to reject Tinubu and support the opposition ahead of the next presidential election.

In a strongly worded address, the former Rivers State governor described supporters of Tinubu’s re-election in disparaging terms, insisting that Edo residents who opposed the president’s return to office should demonstrate their position at the polls.

“They are going about saying, ‘Vote Tinubu! Vote Tinubu!’ Only thieves can vote for Tinubu,” Amaechi said.

He went further, referring to a social media comment suggesting that the 2027 election would reveal the number of “mad men” in Nigeria. He then used the remark to challenge Edo residents not to vote for Tinubu.

Amaechi also accused the Tinubu administration of prioritising financial interests over the economic needs of Nigerians, particularly in its infrastructure decisions.

He questioned the rationale behind plans to develop another seaport in Ogun State, asking whether the volume of goods produced in the state justified the additional port infrastructure.

According to Amaechi, the project was driven by the financial benefits associated with construction rather than a genuine commitment to the welfare of residents.

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He challenged the government to explain the economic justification for expanding port infrastructure in an area he claimed lacked sufficient cargo-generating activities.

The ADC chieftain also urged Nigerians who wanted a change of government to return home and participate in the electoral process rather than remain outside the country and expect political change.

“If you want Tinubu to go, please go home. Go home. Go home,” he told the audience.

On fuel pricing, Amaechi proposed a different approach to subsidy, arguing that Nigeria should introduce a production-based arrangement aimed at lowering domestic fuel costs without requiring direct government payments.

He said the proposed model would involve selling crude oil to local refineries at a lower price than the international market rate, with the price difference forming the basis of a subsidy arrangement.

Amaechi cited a hypothetical example in which crude oil sold internationally for N15,000 would be supplied to the Dangote Refinery at N10,000, creating a N5,000 difference. He argued that similar arrangements could involve the country’s modular refineries.

Under his proposal, local refiners would pass the benefit of the lower crude price to consumers through reduced fuel prices.

“When the price of fuel comes down, the price of everything will go down,” he said, arguing that cheaper petrol would help ease the cost of living.

Amaechi’s comments add to the opposition’s criticism of the Tinubu administration as political actors begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections. His proposed fuel-pricing model also places domestic refining and the cost of petroleum products at the centre of the emerging political debate.