By Our Correspondent
National News – Former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi has said his political supporters are under strict instructions not to insult or attack opponents on social media, emphasizing disciplined political engagement during Nigeria’s evolving opposition landscape.
He made the remarks while speaking at an African Democratic Congress town hall meeting in Lagos on Friday, May 1, 2026, addressing internal opposition tensions involving the Obidient and Atiku Abubakar political camps.
The Lagos-based political gathering saw Amaechi explain that his approach is driven by a strategy of peace and focus, not weakness, as he urged opposition groups to prioritize defeating President Bola Tinubu in the next election.
He questioned the electoral strength of both the Obidient movement supporting Peter Obi and loyalists of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, noting that internal division could weaken their chances.
He stressed that his supporters are directed not to engage in online abuse and instead present facts.
He challenged voters to compare his record as former Rivers State governor and Minister of Transportation with that of Peter Obi as governor and Atiku Abubakar as vice president, insisting that performance should determine leadership choices.
Amaechi highlighted his supervision of major rail projects, including regular on-site inspections of the Ibadan–Kano and Kaduna–Kano railway lines, as evidence of hands-on leadership.
He also described himself as accessible and people-oriented, noting his preference for modest living and open engagement with citizens.
Amaechi further warned that continued hostility among opposition supporters could hinder coalition-building ahead of national elections.
He urged all political camps to conduct primaries peacefully and rally behind the eventual winner, stressing that unity remains essential for defeating the ruling party.
He added that even his supporters’ willingness to cooperate depends on how other groups behave, calling for reduced online hostility and increased issue-based campaigning.
This development highlights growing opposition realignment debates in Nigeria’s 2026 political season, with emphasis on discipline, unity, and record-based comparisons ahead of national elections.
Observers say his remarks reflect strategic positioning within opposition coalition talks in Lagos.
