Rotimi Amaechi, the former Governor of Rivers State and ex-Transportation Minister, has opened up about the persistent online attacks he faces from supporters of Peter Obi. Speaking on Friday at a town hall meeting in Lagos, Amaechi revealed that despite the frequent social media backlash, he has made a conscious decision to remain silent. According to him, this restraint is a deliberate move to foster peace and maintain a professional political atmosphere.
Amaechi, who addressed his followers under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) progressive movement, noted that his supporters have been specifically instructed to avoid digital shouting matches. In a video recently shared by his advocacy group and monitored by Zoyols News, the former minister pointed out that while supporters of other major political figures are often seen clashing, his camp is focused on a different approach. He explained that his silence isn’t due to a lack of words, but a desire to keep the door open for future unity within the opposition.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Amaechi expressed that winning requires bringing people together rather than pushing them away with insults. He stated that his team operates under a strict mandate: do not abuse anyone, including the President. Instead, they are encouraged to present hard facts and focus on the issues that affect Nigerians. Having joined the ADC in March, Amaechi is now eyeing the party’s presidential ticket, a path that puts him in the same lane as other heavyweight contenders.
During the gathering, Amaechi challenged Nigerians to look at the track records of the top aspirants and make an informed comparison. He suggested that voters should weigh his performance as a governor and minister against the achievements of Peter Obi and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar. He noted that while he and Obi served as governors during the same period, their impact should be the ultimate deciding factor for the electorate.
The former minister also highlighted his hands-on approach to governance, particularly during his time overseeing major infrastructure projects. He recalled the long nights spent on construction sites, often returning to Lagos in the early hours of the morning to ensure rail projects were completed on schedule. Amaechi insisted that he was never a “memo-writing” official who stayed behind a desk, but a leader who stayed on the ground to see the work through.
Describing himself as a leader who hasn’t lost touch with the common man, Amaechi mentioned that he still frequents the same local eateries as everyday citizens. He credited this lifestyle to his upbringing and his desire to stay connected to the real problems people face. He urged the supporters of his rivals to focus on the bigger picture of defeating the current administration rather than creating friction that would make a future coalition impossible.
