In his recent Facebook post, Ayekooto Akindele, a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and staunch supporter of President Bola Tinubu, shed light on potential reasons behind former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi’s lingering discontent towards former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Akindele suggests that Amaechi harbors resentment due to perceived neglect and lack of support during pivotal moments in his political career. Akindele points out that despite Amaechi’s significant contributions to Buhari’s hometown, Daura—including obtaining a chieftaincy title and establishing a Transportation University—Buhari refrained from endorsing him during the APC’s 2022 presidential primaries.his absence of endorsement, especially after such targeted infrastructural developments, is viewed by Amaechi as a profound slight.
Furthermore, after resigning from his ministerial position to pursue the APC presidential ticket—a move that included a symbolic “stadium marathon”—Amaechi faced defeat. Subsequently, he reportedly sought reinstatement as Minister of Transportation, a request that was met with indifference from Buhari. Akindele humorously notes that Buhari responded with “MININI,” implying a lack of understanding or interest in Amaechi’s plea.
These insights from Akindele come in the wake of Amaechi’s recent commendation of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. At a recent event, Amaechi lauded Obasanjo as the last Nigerian leader to cultivate a robust middle class, emphasizing his efforts in job creation and economic development.his praise stands in contrast to his criticisms of subsequent administrations, including Buhari’s tenure.
In October 2024, Amaechi publicly expressed his frustration with the nation’s economic challenges and the populace’s subdued response. He remarked on his own financial constraints, stating, “Some of us cannot afford to buy diesel again because it’s costly.” He further criticized Nigerians for their passivity, suggesting that citizens should be more vocal against economic hardships.
The APC swiftly responded to Amaechi’s statements. In a statement by National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, the party labeled Amaechi’s comments as “insensitive” and “unpatriotic.” They highlighted his extensive political career, noting that he had long benefited from state resources. The APC accused him of attempting to incite public unrest and described his remarks as hypocritical, given his significant role in previous administrations.
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