The leading Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has criticized former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, over his remarks about President Bola Tinubu.

According to reports, Amaechi, speaking at a national conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria—organized by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development—claimed that Nigerian politicians often resort to violence and electoral malpractice to secure power.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain also suggested that those expecting Tinubu to relinquish power in 2027 were misguided.

In response, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, through a statement by its Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, in Kaduna on Saturday, condemned Amaechi’s comments as a threat to democracy, peace, and national unity.

The group described Amaechi’s rhetoric—calling for aggressive tactics to seize power in 2027—as alarming and divisive. It emphasized that the Igbo people would never support any political maneuver aimed at destabilizing a democratically elected government.

Furthermore, Ohanaeze Ndigbo aligned with the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, in urging Amaechi to refrain from inciting the public.

Reaffirming its loyalty to President Tinubu, Ohanaeze stressed its commitment to upholding peace, stability, and good governance in Nigeria.

The statement reads, “Amaechi’s outrageous call for Nigerians to resort to ‘brutal force’ in an attempt to snatch power from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by 2027 starkly contravenes the principles of civility, democracy, and peace that we hold dear.

“Amaechi’s equally disconcerting assertion that politicians must be willing to ‘steal, maim, and kill’ to retain power not only diminishes the dignity of our political discourse but also poses a dire threat to the very fabric of our society.

“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the reckless and incendiary comments made by Chibuike Amaechi against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“It is essential to declare firmly that the Ndigbo will never endorse any political conspiracy aimed at undermining the legitimacy of an elected President.

“We unequivocally lend our support to the position articulated by the Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle.

“We echo his urgent call for Mr. Amaechi to retract his divisive statements and cease from further inciting the populace, lest he face the inevitable repercussions of his actions.

“Our resolve is steadfast, as we remain committed to fostering peace, stability, and fruitful governance in Nigeria.

“Let it be said that the aspirations of the Igbo people align with a future predicated upon legitimate leadership, respect for democratic processes, and a shared vision for a prosperous Nigeria.”