A heated exchange broke out in Abuja between the former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, during the National Electoral Reforms Summit 2025, as both clashed over the performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
In his remarks at the summit, organised by the Movement for Electoral Reform, Amaechi took a swipe at the current administration, describing it as “insensitive to the yearnings of Nigerians.”
He lamented the worsening hardship across the country, accusing the government of failing to deliver good governance and protect citizens from economic suffering.
“People are suffering, yet there is no ASUU, no NLC, no NANS to mount pressure on the government. Nigerians are quiet when they should be demanding accountability,” Amaechi said.
He further warned that Tinubu’s government is “defeatable” through democratic means.
However, his comments immediately drew a sharp response from Senator Sani, who accused Amaechi of hypocrisy and reminded him of his own record in public service.
“You were part of governance from the state to the centre for many years, with little or no remarkable achievement,” Sani fired back. “You are now attacking Nigerians for not protesting, but you yourself never led any protest when you were in power.”
The former lawmaker argued that many of the challenges now blamed on Tinubu’s administration were created by previous leaders, including those who served under both the PDP and APC governments since 1999.
“All that he is pointing out as bad were problems created by leaders like him. It is ironic that after two years out of power, he has suddenly become a critic,” Sani added.
The National Electoral Reforms Summit 2025, held in Abuja, brought together politicians, civil society leaders, and electoral experts to deliberate on strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions ahead of future elections.
Other notable participants included Dr Usman Bugaje, IPAC Chairman Peter Ameh, former SDP presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo, Dr Yunusa Tanko, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.
