The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed recent political moves and comments allegedly linked to former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, describing him as a “spent force” who lacks the influence or structure to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s anticipated bid for reelection in 2027.
The party’s reaction came amid speculations that Amaechi and a small group of loyalists were exploring the possibility of forming or supporting an alternative political front ahead of the next general election.
In a strongly worded statement issued through some senior party figures in Abuja, the APC accused Amaechi of being driven by frustration and political irrelevance after what they described as his “repeated rejection” by both his state and the national leadership of the party.
An APC spokesperson was quoted as saying:
“Amaechi has no structure left in Rivers State and no political capital at the national level. He lost touch with the grassroots long ago, and even within our party, his name no longer carries weight. A man who could not manage his own base cannot lead any so-called revolt against President Tinubu.”
The statement further alleged that Amaechi’s current posture was a continuation of his bitterness over his loss during the 2022 APC presidential primaries, where he came second to Tinubu. Party officials described his attempts to “stay politically relevant” as “desperate and ineffective.
Relations between Amaechi and the APC leadership have remained strained since the party’s presidential primaries in 2022. Despite his previous prominence as a two-term governor of Rivers State and one-time Director-General of the Buhari Campaign Organization, Amaechi’s influence within the party has significantly waned.
Following Tinubu’s emergence as president, Amaechi has maintained a relatively low profile, occasionally surfacing in political conversations but avoiding open alignment with the current administration. This has fueled speculation about his next political move, especially as the battle for early positioning ahead of 2027 intensifies.
Sources within Rivers APC say many of Amaechi’s former allies have defected to other factions or joined the state’s current power bloc, leaving his once-strong political base fragmented.
The ruling party reiterated that President Tinubu remains firmly in control of both the APC and the wider political landscape, dismissing claims that internal divisions could weaken his reelection prospects.
Another APC chieftain from the North-Central zone remarked:
“The president enjoys widespread support across zones. The talk of a revolt led by Amaechi or anyone from Rivers is pure fiction. Our focus is on governance and continuity. Tinubu’s second-term bid, when it begins, will be anchored on performance, not propaganda.”
He added that the party welcomes constructive criticism but will not tolerate “political theatrics from people who have nothing new to offer.”
While Amaechi has not personally responded to the remarks, close associates hinted that the former minister views the attacks as unnecessary and a sign of insecurity within the ruling party. A source familiar with his position claimed that Amaechi has chosen to focus on rebuilding his political image quietly rather than engaging in “media brawls.”
However, those within his circle maintain that he still commands respect among certain political elites and traditional leaders in the South-South region. Some also suggested that his silence might be strategic, leaving open the possibility of alliances beyond the APC.
In Rivers State, where political rivalry is fierce, the dynamics remain complicated. Amaechi, once the dominant political figure, has faced increasing challenges from new actors within both the APC and opposition parties.
The ongoing struggle for control of the state’s political machinery has seen new alliances form, with Tinubu’s loyalists asserting influence over the local structures once aligned with Amaechi. Party insiders claim this shift has made it “virtually impossible” for him to mobilize a significant movement against the president.
An APC member in Port Harcourt commented:
“Amaechi had his time. But politics is about timing, loyalty, and relevance. The Rivers APC is now firmly aligned with the national leadership, and no one is thinking about joining any anti-Tinubu camp.”
Political observers interpret the exchange as an early sign of intra-party jostling ahead of the 2027 general election. While some analysts believe Amaechi’s influence has diminished, others argue that he remains a formidable strategist who could resurface if given the right political platform or alliance.
They note that Nigerian politics often shifts rapidly, and former rivals have been known to reemerge as kingmakers or coalition leaders when circumstances change.
However, for now, the dominant sentiment within the APC is that Tinubu faces little internal threat from any faction connected to Amaechi.
The ruling APC’s dismissal of Rotimi Amaechi underscores the widening gap between the former minister and the party’s current leadership. By labeling him “too weak to mobilize against Tinubu,” the APC appears intent on reinforcing Tinubu’s authority while discrediting any potential opposition from within.
Whether Amaechi chooses to confront the party or quietly rebuild his political capital remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: as the road to 2027 begins to take shape, the struggle for influence within the APC—and across Nigeria’s political landscape—is already underway.