In an unusually blunt assessment of the Nigerian political class, the former Governor of Rivers State and erstwhile Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has called on citizens to reject financial inducements during elections, warning that vote-buying is the primary engine of corruption.
Addressing a crowd of traders at a bustling market in Mararaba, on the outskirts of Abuja, Mr Amaechi delivered a candid indictment of the profession he has belonged to for decades. In a video of the encounter that has since gone viral, the former governor openly acknowledged the deep-seated public perception of politicians as dishonest actors.
“As you see us, we are thieves; we politicians are thieves,” Amaechi stated with striking candour. He cautioned the traders that many office seekers deliberately craft promises they have no intention of fulfilling once they secure power.
However, he qualified his statement by noting that while the political class is fraught with misconduct, a small minority of leaders still operate with integrity, guided by moral principles and the “fear of God.” He urged the electorate to be more discerning in distinguishing between these two groups.
The former minister argued that the persistence of corruption in governance is a direct consequence of the cooperation between politicians and a vulnerable electorate. He contended that the number of individuals responsible for looting public resources is negligible compared to Nigeria’s vast population, and that “collective resistance” remains the only antidote.
Amaechi stressed that ordinary citizens hold the ultimate authority in a democracy but surrender that power the moment they accept money for their ballots. By refusing to sell their votes, he noted, communities can effectively compel politicians to focus on genuine development rather than the distribution of temporary patronage.
The former governor maintained that while public distrust is entirely understandable, feeling powerless is a choice. He argued that meaningful change in Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape would only occur when voters prioritise the competence and character of a candidate over immediate, short-term financial gains offered during campaigns.
His remarks have reignited a heated national debate regarding electoral integrity. Analysts suggest that Amaechi’s public “confession” highlights the persistent challenge of vote-buying, a practice widely seen as a barrier to accountable governance and a significant factor in the erosion of public trust in democratic institutions.
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