Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has said that real changes to Nigeria’s election system will not happen under President Bola Tinubu’s government.
Amaechi made the remarks while speaking at the 2027 National Political Dialogue on Electoral Reforms webinar held on Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day.
He criticised the current government and politicians in general for not being serious about addressing the country’s electoral problems.
“There is absolutely nothing anybody can do about electoral reform in Nigeria, especially under this present government—absolutely nothing,” Amaechi said.
He also pointed out that many politicians invited to the meeting were once in government but failed to make meaningful reforms when they had the chance.
“Most of the people invited here today were once in government. What did they do when they had the opportunity to carry out electoral reform? If they had done it then, we wouldn’t be here today having this conversation now,” Amaechi said.
According to him, politicians only care about winning elections and remaining in power, adding that it takes real commitment and courage to carry out reforms—qualities he believes politicians lack.
Amaechi also noted that many people are afraid of President Tinubu, which he believes limits efforts towards reform.
The former governor added that electoral reform is not solely the responsibility of politicians but also of citizens themselves.
He also criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, calling him “the worst chairman in history.”
