Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has praised former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, for his boldness and refusal to step down for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries in 2022.
Speaking on Saturday in Abuja at Amaechi’s 60th birthday celebration, Soyinka described the former Rivers State governor as a “courageous politician” and a symbol of democratic resilience.
“I admire Rotimi Amaechi’s fighting spirit,” Soyinka said. “The most memorable for me was when I watched the APC presidential primaries live all the way from Abu Dhabi. While others were surrendering, Amaechi stood his ground. That’s what democracy is all about.”
Amaechi: The Last Man Standing
Soyinka compared Amaechi’s refusal to withdraw from the APC presidential race to President Tinubu’s historical defiance of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s third-term agenda.
“Tinubu was once the last man standing against Obasanjo’s constitutional manipulation. But in 2022, Amaechi gave Tinubu a dose of that same medicine,” Soyinka said.
“I enjoyed that moment. While everyone else was conceding, Amaechi got on the podium and said, ‘I didn’t come here to commit lúlẹ̀ (fall).’ That was powerful.”
APC Presidential Primary: Tinubu vs Amaechi
In the highly watched 2022 APC presidential primaries, President Tinubu emerged victorious with 1,271 votes, while Amaechi came second with 316 votes. Other aspirants stepped down for Tinubu, making Amaechi’s stand even more significant.
Soyinka noted that democracy thrives when individuals challenge political pressure, rather than bow to it for convenience or fear.
“This is the spirit we need in 2027,” Soyinka added. “True leaders must show conviction, even if it means standing alone.”
2027 Elections: Why This Moment Matters
As 2027 approaches, Soyinka’s remarks are being seen as a subtle call for strong democratic values in Nigeria’s political landscape. With widespread concerns about electoral manipulation, party loyalty, and court-influenced outcomes, many citizens are yearning for leaders who will stand on principle, like Amaechi did.
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Political observers suggest Soyinka’s comments may rekindle interest in Amaechi’s political journey and question whether he still has presidential ambitions.
Conclusion: A Call to Courage in Nigerian Politics
While the APC 2022 primary may be history, its lessons still resonate. In a political system often marked by compromise and power plays, Rotimi Amaechi’s bold refusal to step down was a rare act of defiance.
And as Wole Soyinka reminded the nation:
“Democracy is not about following the crowd. It’s about standing firm when it matters most.”
As the 2027 elections draw closer, Nigerians may once again look for those who won’t just play the game, but challenge it.
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