Amaechi warns Tinubu return Nigeria’s capital to Lagos if re-elected in 2027

Former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi has escalated political rhetoric ahead of the 2027 elections, warning that President Bola Tinubu could undermine Abuja’s status if re-elected.

Speaking during a protest in the capital, Amaechi claimed that the current administration posed a threat to Nigeria’s democratic structure, alleging that continued rule by the All Progressives Congress (APC) could weaken institutions and shift national priorities.

“If you allow them to continue, they will ruin this capital or take it to Lagos,” he said, framing the warning as a call to action for voters ahead of the next general election cycle.

The protest, organised under the #OccupyINEC banner, drew several opposition figures and supporters, many of whom expressed concerns over electoral processes and internal party disputes. Amaechi used the platform to position the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as part of a broader coalition seeking to unseat the ruling party, drawing parallels with the APC’s 2015 victory over the Peoples Democratic Party.

He also questioned the independence of electoral institutions, referencing past leadership at the Independent National Electoral Commission and suggesting that recent developments could erode trust in the system.

Opposition figures rally amid electoral concerns

The demonstration attracted prominent political actors, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso and David Mark, all signalling a growing alignment among opposition voices.

Participants criticised what they described as attempts to sideline alternative political platforms, particularly amid internal disputes within the ADC. The party’s leadership crisis and its implications for recognition by electoral authorities were central themes of the protest.

Amaechi argued that restricting party participation or limiting recognition could weaken democratic competition, insisting that Nigerians must remain vigilant to protect the integrity of future elections.

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He further accused the current administration of contributing to economic hardship, linking rising unemployment and policy decisions to broader dissatisfaction among citizens.

APC dismisses claims, insists on democratic process

In response, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo dismissed the protest and allegations as political pressure tactics, arguing that the ruling party would not be coerced into decisions that undermine due process.

Writing on social media, Keyamo questioned the basis of the protest, suggesting that internal disputes within a single party should not be framed as a threat to national democracy. He also pointed to recent election outcomes, noting that factions making demands had struggled to secure electoral victories.

According to him, Nigeria’s democratic system remains guided by legal and judicial frameworks, not media narratives or political agitation. He added that the judiciary, not public demonstrations, would ultimately determine disputes related to party recognition and electoral matters.

Efforts to obtain a direct response from the president’s media team were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

The exchange highlights rising political tensions as parties begin early positioning ahead of 2027, with debates increasingly centred on institutional trust, electoral credibility and the direction of governance in Africa’s largest democracy.