Former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has urged Nigerians to take an active role in ensuring credible leadership in the 2027 elections. He warned that power is never freely given and must be fought for, encouraging citizens to defend their votes and demand good governance.

Speaking at an event in Abuja on January 27, Amaechi emphasized that complacency in politics allows corrupt leaders to remain in power. He urged Nigerians to be proactive, rather than expecting politicians to hand over power willingly.

Amaechi used the election of Malam Ibrahim Shekarau as governor of Kano State as an example. He explained that Shekarau won because thousands of people stood their ground, forcing authorities to acknowledge his victory.

He also pointed to Ghana, where public resistance played a key role in shaping the country’s leadership. According to him, this proves that power belongs to the people, but only if they are willing to fight for it.

Amaechi made it clear that Nigerian politicians do whatever it takes to remain in control. He warned that expecting leaders to voluntarily step aside is unrealistic.

“The politician is there to steal, kill, and do anything to remain in power. If you think someone will just give it to you, you are wasting your time,” he said.

Amaechi shared his experience in leading the APC to victory against the PDP in 2015. He explained that former President Goodluck Jonathan only conceded defeat because the APC was fully prepared to resist any attempt to alter the election results.

According to him, this proves that real change requires determination, organization, and readiness to fight for power.