Rotimi Amaechi quits APC in shocking speech, says Nigeria has collapsed, urges movement to take over government, criticises Tinubu’s leadership style
[dropcap]R[/dropcap]otimi Amaechi quits APC in a dramatic and emotional declaration, stating that Nigeria is facing a total collapse and needs urgent intervention.
Also read: Peter Odili narrates alleged betrayal by Rotimi Amaechi in power struggle
The former Minister of Transportation, a founding member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, said he could no longer associate with a party he accused of aiding the downfall of the country.
Speaking passionately at an event in Abuja on Wednesday, where the African Democratic Congress unveiled its interim executive, Amaechi confirmed his resignation.
“Nigeria is completely destroyed. People can’t eat. People can’t buy food. There’s no money to buy food. Everything is gone. Inflation is at its peak,” he declared.
Amaechi, who served under President Muhammadu Buhari, explained that he officially quit the APC on Tuesday night.
He expressed surprise that the party had not already expelled him, given his repeated absence and disapproval of its direction. “I warned them before—don’t invite me to any more meetings,” he revealed.
His resignation followed a damning indictment of the APC’s collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission.
He alleged that the two entities were actively working together to hijack future elections, undermining democratic principles.
Rotimi Amaechi quits APC not just out of frustration, but with a vision to rebuild what he called a broken nation.
“You can’t be in a club where the majority of people are stealing and you don’t say anything,” he said, sharply criticising his former political allies.
His voice carried both anger and disappointment, reinforcing the seriousness of his claims.
Amaechi clarified that his decision was not about personal ambition or partisan conflict. Instead, he framed it as a moral imperative.
“It’s about changing Nigeria. What must happen here is that we must start not just a party, but a movement… to on their own take over government, not us,” he stated.
On the current government’s performance, Amaechi did not hold back. He said he never believed Bola Tinubu was the right person to lead Nigeria.
“I have never believed that Tinubu is a material to govern the country… People want Buhari to come back,” he claimed.
He also highlighted the economic freefall under the current administration. The naira, once stable during Buhari’s era, has now plunged sharply.
“Dollar was I think ₦460 or five hundred and something, now a dollar is ₦1,580. That is more than 100 per cent,” he observed.
When questioned about whether the exchange rate crisis was deliberate, Amaechi gave a sharp reply. “Whether it’s a deliberate government policy or not, any government that does not take into consideration the people you are governing is not a policy.
President Tinubu said he is not here to make Nigerians happy,” he said.
His remarks left a strong impression on attendees. One observer at the event, visibly moved, said, “That was the most honest political speech I’ve heard in years.”
Despite stepping away from the ruling party, Amaechi did not rule out future involvement in politics. “I have the right to be ambitious, I am not overambitious,” he said, smiling lightly, perhaps signalling that his political journey is far from over.
Also read: Tinubu economic reforms defended by APC amid attacks from Atiku, Amaechi, El-Rufai
Rotimi Amaechi quits APC not as a bitter politician but as a former insider sounding a dire warning. His message was unmistakable—Nigeria is on the brink, and only bold, structural changes can steer it back.
Oreoluwa is an accountant and a brand writer with a flair for journalism.