Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has explained why he attended the “Occupy the National Assembly” protest in Abuja alongside his son.
Amaechi told journalists on Tuesday that he brought his son, a medical doctor, as a precaution in case the protest turned violent and demonstrators required urgent medical attention.
According to him, leaders must be physically present during moments of national agitation rather than observe events from afar.
“I came with my son because he is a doctor. If anything happens and people get injured, he can help,” Amaechi said.
Amaechi Urges Opposition Parties to Take to the Streets
Amaechi called on opposition political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC) and others, to join the protests against the Senate’s position on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill.
He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of resisting real-time electronic transmission of election results out of fear of losing future elections.
“I believe opposition parties should come out—PDP, ADC, everybody should be out—to protest against the attempt of one party,” he said.
The former minister dismissed claims that opposition involvement would amount to hijacking the protest, insisting that public demonstrations are a legitimate democratic tool.
Tinubu Administration, Living Conditions Worse — Amaechi
Amaechi compared Nigeria’s current economic realities with conditions during the Muhammadu Buhari administration, where he served as minister, claiming things have deteriorated.
“It is worse now than it was then. During Buhari’s time, even though we were planning to remove subsidy, there were better plans for citizens,” he said.
He further alleged that corruption has increased under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, adding that Nigerians are bearing the brunt of policy failures.
2027 Election: Amaechi Doubts Tinubu’s Chances
When asked about President Tinubu’s prospects in the 2027 presidential election, Amaechi said it would be difficult for the incumbent to secure victory.
“Let’s wait and see. The will of the people must prevail,” he stated.
Amaechi also vowed that protests would continue, regardless of whether Senate President Godswill Akpabio or President Tinubu respond to the demands of demonstrators.
Protest Over Electoral Act Amendment Gathers Momentum
The protest comes amid growing controversy over proposed amendments to the Electoral Act, particularly whether the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be compelled to transmit election results electronically and in real time from polling units.
While many Nigerians and civil society groups insist that mandatory real-time electronic transmission is crucial for electoral transparency, the Senate argues the provision should remain discretionary, citing logistical and infrastructural challenges.
Although lawmakers insist electronic transmission has not been scrapped entirely, protesters argue that removing the “real-time” requirement creates loopholes that could undermine election credibility.
PUNCH Online reports that former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi also joined the protest, amplifying calls for transparent, credible elections ahead of 2027.
