Former Minister of Transportation and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Rotimi Amaechi, has criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the party of undermining the opposition and failing to address the economic hardship facing Nigerians.
Amaechi made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television on Friday, where he stated that the rule of law would be his top priority if elected President of Nigeria.
The former Rivers State governor argued that Nigeria needs stronger institutions and greater respect for democratic principles. According to him, there must be law and order in the country, adding that government institutions should not be used against opposition parties.
“If the APC said they are strong, why are they influencing the government institutions against the opposition? Why won’t they leave the rule of law?” Amaechi asked during the interview.
He stated that restoring respect for the rule of law would form the foundation of his administration if he were to become president.
“The first thing I will do as president of Nigeria is to rule by the law. There has to be law and order,” he said.
Amaechi also accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of allegedly using hunger and economic hardship as political tools ahead of elections. He argued that the temporary distribution of food items during election periods does not address the broader challenges of poverty and rising living costs affecting citizens.
“A bag of rice does not solve hunger for the rest of the year,” he said while discussing the economic situation in the country.
The former minister questioned the strength of the APC, insisting that a truly popular ruling party would allow opposition parties to operate freely without interference. He alleged that actions by government institutions were creating unfair conditions for opposition groups.
“If APC is as strong as they claim, why are they not allowing opposition parties to thrive?” he added.
Amaechi further stated that although Nigerians might accept food or other items distributed during elections due to economic hardship, such gestures would not necessarily determine how they vote at the polls.
His comments come amid growing political debates over the country’s economic conditions, governance, and preparations for future elections. Rising inflation, food prices, and living costs have remained major concerns for many Nigerians in recent months.
Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State, was among the leading figures in the APC before later aligning with opposition political movements. He has continued to play an active role in national political discussions and has repeatedly criticised the current administration over governance and economic policies.
Political analysts say his remarks reflect increasing efforts by opposition politicians to position themselves ahead of future electoral contests. Discussions around economic hardship and the credibility of democratic institutions are expected to remain central issues in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Supporters of the APC, however, have defended the Tinubu administration’s policies, arguing that current economic reforms are necessary for long-term national recovery. Government officials have also maintained that social intervention programmes and palliative measures are intended to support vulnerable citizens during ongoing reforms.
Amaechi’s statements have generated reactions across political circles and social media, with some Nigerians agreeing with his criticism of economic conditions while others accused him of political grandstanding.
The interview has further intensified conversations about governance, electoral fairness, and the role of opposition parties as political activities gradually begin to build toward future elections in the country.
