‘Emilokan brought us here’ — Amaechi blasts APC over hardship
Amaechi Critiques APC Leadership amid Economic Hardship
By Luminous Jannamike, ABUJA
Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, asserted on Thursday that the “Emilokan” philosophy, which influenced the last presidential election, has led to increased hardship for Nigerians.
Amaechi, speaking in Abuja after submitting his presidential nomination form, criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the current administration, expressing his concerns ahead of the 2027 presidential election. He emphasized the need for Nigeria to move beyond electing leaders based on ethnicity, religion, or notions of entitlement.
“It is what do you call it, Emilokan, that brought us here. It is our turn that brought us here,” he said. “It is the turn of Nigerians. There is no market for Christians, Muslims, northerners, or southerners. The market’s purpose is singular: the forex. And what is forex? Naira. Nigerians are suffering.”
He held the current administration accountable for the nation’s economic challenges and questioned the APC’s pursuit of another term. “The current president has put us in this suffering. I don’t know why he wants to run,” Amaechi stated, adding that the APC should allow other Nigerians the opportunity to seek leadership.
Amaechi urged voters to prioritize candidates based on merit rather than identity politics. “Nigerians should vote for merit, not for those who declare, ‘I’m from this place’ or ‘it’s our turn,’” he said.
He called for the 2027 elections to serve as a referendum on the records of candidates. “Let this be a referendum. If you have performed, whoever has outperformed the other, vote for that person,” Amaechi remarked.
He asserted that his tenure as governor of Rivers State and as Minister of Transportation equips him with the experience necessary to lead the nation. “I believe I am the most experienced,” he stated, emphasizing his capability to bring about significant change in four years.
Concerning the selection process for the party’s presidential candidate, Amaechi expressed a preference for a direct primary. “I’m going for primary. If the consensus is me, fine. But if it’s not me, I’m going for primary,” he said.
