A former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has explained why he attended the “Occupy the National Assembly” protest alongside his son.
Speaking with reporters on Tuesday in Abuja, Amaechi said he came with his son, a medical doctor, as a precaution in case the demonstration turned violent and participants sustained injuries.
The former Rivers State governor said his action also reflected his belief that leaders should be physically present during major protests and stand with the people rather than observe from a distance.
He called on Nigerians to rise up and urged opposition political parties to mobilise supporters to protest the Senate’s position on the Electoral Act amendment.
Amaechi accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of opposing mandatory electronic transmission of election results out of fear of losing elections.
“I believe the opposition parties should come out — PDP, ADC, everybody — to protest against the attempt of one party,” he said.
“If we come out and they say the opposition has hijacked the protest, what is the APC doing? Are they not hijacking? What are they afraid of? I thought they said they have 31 governors. Tinubu is not Jonathan. The only way a good politician will know he has done well is by the people.”
He added that opposition parties and civil society organisations would continue the protests even if Senate President Godswill Akpabio and President Bola Tinubu ignore the demands.
Amaechi also compared current economic conditions with the Muhammadu Buhari administration in which he served.
“It is worse now than it was then. In Buhari’s time, at least, even though we were planning to remove the subsidy, we had better plans for citizens,” he said, alleging that corruption has increased under the present administration.
Asked whether President Tinubu would win the 2027 presidential election, Amaechi replied, “Let’s wait and see,” adding that it would be impossible for the incumbent to win.
“The will of the people must prevail,” he said.
PUNCH Online reports that former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi also joined the protesters on Monday, supporting calls for electoral transparency and credibility.
The protest comes amid controversy over the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly whether the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be mandated to transmit results electronically in real time from polling units.
While many Nigerians want real-time electronic transmission made compulsory, the Senate argues the provision should remain discretionary, citing logistical and infrastructural challenges.
Lawmakers insist they did not scrap electronic transmission entirely, but protesters say removing the “real-time” requirement could create loopholes for manipulation.
THE PUNCH
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