Amaechi fires back at Tinubu: “I did all the battle for Buhari 2015 victory”
Rotimi Amaechi
Former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi has openly challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over claims surrounding the emergence of late former President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2015 presidential election.
Amaechi, speaking during an interview on Arise Television, rejected Tinubu’s repeated assertion that Buhari would not have become president without his political intervention and persuasion ahead of the historic 2015 election.
The remarks have sparked fresh debate within Nigeria’s political space, especially among members and loyalists of the ruling (APC), as discussions surrounding the party’s legacy and internal power dynamics intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
Amaechi Rejects Tinubu’s Narrative on Buhari’s Victory
During the interview, Amaechi argued that Buhari’s victory in 2015 was the product of collective political efforts rather than the achievement of one individual.
According to him, while Tinubu played a role in the coalition that led to Buhari’s emergence, several other political figures also made significant sacrifices and contributions to secure the victory.
Amaechi stated that he had previously remained silent on Tinubu’s claims because he served as a minister under Buhari’s administration and did not want to publicly contradict influential figures within government at the time.
The former governor noted that openly disputing the narrative while serving in Buhari’s cabinet could have had political consequences for him.
“I Did All the Battle” — Amaechi
Amaechi stressed that his contribution to Buhari’s victory went beyond campaign management, insisting that he was deeply involved in the political mobilisation that helped the APC defeat the then-ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He highlighted his role as Director-General of Buhari’s presidential campaign and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum during the period leading up to the 2015 election.
According to Amaechi, he travelled extensively across Nigeria coordinating political support, mobilising governors, and engaging in strategic battles that strengthened the APC coalition.
The former minister said many political stakeholders could testify to the level of effort he invested during the campaign season.
His comments directly contradict Tinubu’s longstanding claim that Buhari only returned to contest the presidency after persuasion from him following three unsuccessful presidential attempts.
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Tinubu’s Previous Position on Buhari’s Emergence
President Tinubu has repeatedly stated that Buhari’s eventual victory in 2015 was largely due to the political alliance and coalition he helped build.
According to Tinubu, he personally visited Buhari in Katsina and convinced him to run again after previous failed attempts at securing the presidency.
Tinubu has often referenced the formation of the APC coalition as a major turning point in Nigeria’s political history, noting that the alliance succeeded in ending the PDP’s 16-year rule at the federal level.
However, Amaechi’s latest comments suggest that several APC power brokers and governors played equally influential roles in the political movement that led to Buhari’s victory.
Amaechi Reflects on APC’s “Change” Agenda
Amaechi also used the interview to assess the performance of the APC administration that came into power under the popular “change” slogan in 2015.
While acknowledging that the administration recorded achievements in some sectors, he admitted that the government did not fully deliver on all expectations Nigerians had at the time.
According to him, the “change” agenda produced mixed outcomes, with progress recorded in certain areas while shortcomings remained evident in others.
His remarks are already generating reactions among political analysts and party supporters, many of whom see the comments as a sign of growing internal disagreements within influential APC circles.
Political Implications Ahead of 2027 Elections
Amaechi’s public disagreement with Tinubu comes at a politically sensitive period as conversations around alliances, succession politics, and the future of the APC continue to dominate national discourse.
Observers believe the comments may further fuel speculation about cracks within the ruling party and possible realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former Rivers governor remains one of the most influential political figures in Nigeria, particularly within the southern political bloc and among former APC power players.
His remarks also reopen discussions about the contributions of various politicians to Buhari’s historic 2015 victory, which marked the first time an incumbent Nigerian president lost re-election.
As political activities intensify nationwide, statements from senior political actors like Amaechi and Tinubu are expected to continue shaping public debate and party dynamics.
FAQ
What did Rotimi Amaechi say about Bola Tinubu?
Rotimi Amaechi said President Bola Tinubu was not solely responsible for Muhammadu Buhari’s emergence as president in 2015. He argued that several political actors contributed significantly to the victory.
Why did Amaechi disagree with Tinubu?
Amaechi disagreed with Tinubu’s repeated claim that he “made Buhari president.” According to Amaechi, he personally led major political mobilisation efforts as campaign director-general and chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.
What role did Amaechi play in Buhari’s 2015 campaign?
Amaechi served as the Director-General of Muhammadu Buhari’s presidential campaign in 2015 and coordinated political mobilisation efforts across Nigeria.
What has Tinubu previously said about Buhari’s victory?
Tinubu has repeatedly claimed that Buhari contested and eventually won the presidency in 2015 because he persuaded him to run again after three failed attempts.
Did Amaechi say Tinubu contributed to Buhari’s victory?
Yes. Amaechi acknowledged that Tinubu played a role but insisted that Buhari’s victory was a collective effort involving many APC leaders and political stakeholders.
What did Amaechi say about APC’s “change” agenda?
Amaechi admitted that the APC administration achieved success in some sectors but failed to fully deliver in others, describing the outcomes as mixed.
Why is Amaechi’s statement politically important?
The statement is significant because it highlights possible internal disagreements among influential APC leaders ahead of the 2027 elections.
What is the political relationship between Amaechi and Tinubu?
Amaechi and Tinubu were both influential figures in the formation of the APC coalition that defeated the PDP in 2015. However, recent comments suggest possible political differences.
What was historic about Buhari’s 2015 victory?
Buhari’s victory marked the first time an incumbent Nigerian president lost a re-election bid since the country returned to democratic rule in 1999.
Could Amaechi’s comments affect APC politics?
Political analysts believe the comments could deepen debates about leadership, influence, and alliances within the APC ahead of future elections.