Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has said he could have defeated President Bola Tinubu in the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary of 2022 if he had lobbied party delegates ahead of the contest.
Amaechi said his decision to rely on former President Muhammadu Buhari’s promise to endorse him as the party’s presidential candidate cost him the opportunity to secure victory.
Speaking during a recent interview, the former Rivers State governor said Buhari had specifically told him not to campaign, assuring him that he would announce him as his preferred candidate.
He said Buhari also put the promise in writing, adding that he would make the document public when he publishes hisbook.
Amaechi explained that he obeyed Buhari because he was his boss and believed the endorsement would strengthen his chances of becoming the party’s presidential candidate.
He admitted, however, that he failed to lobby delegates and influential party members, unlike Tinubu, who engaged political stakeholders ahead of the primary.
According to him, he could have secured the support of governors, the Vice-President and other party leaders if he hadparticipated in the political consultations.
Amaechi also accused Tinubu of using religious mobilisation to secure support during the primary, saying he refused toplay religious politics because of its potential consequences for national unity.
He alleged that a delegation of South-West Muslim leaders had appealed to North-West governors to support Tinubu onreligious grounds.
He also referred to a viral video in which a supporter of Tinubu reportedly said the political decision was being taken forthe sake of the faith.
Amaechi said he would not have approached religious groups to mobilise votes on the basis of their faith, arguing that such a strategy could deepen divisions between Christians and Muslims.
He maintained that his refusal to exploit religious sentiments was part of his commitment to national unity, insisting that he would not pursue political power at the expense of peace in the country.
Questioning the description of Tinubu as a politically unbeatable figure, Amaechi asked why the President had not become Nigeria’s leader earlier if his political influence was as exceptional as claimed.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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