Politics

How Amaechi Gave Tinubu A Taste Of His Own Medicine In 2022 APC Primary –Soyinka

Published

11 months ago

June 1, 2025

Soyinka made the remarks while speaking as Chairman at Amaechi’s 60th birthday celebration held over the weekend in Abuja.

Nobel laureate and literary icon, Professor Wole Soyinka, has lauded former Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, for what he described as a bold and principled stance during the 2022 All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary, declaring that Amaechi gave President Bola Tinubu “a taste of his own medicine.”

Soyinka made the remarks while speaking as Chairman at Amaechi’s 60th birthday celebration held over the weekend in Abuja.

In a speech that blended political insight with sharp historical reflection, the revered playwright praised Amaechi for his tenacity and refusal to withdraw from the APC presidential race, despite mounting pressure to step aside for Tinubu.

“The main reason I had to be here is because I admire Rotimi’s fighting spirit—and it’s a very consistent one,” Soyinka said.

Recalling how he watched the APC presidential primary live from Abu Dhabi in 2022, Soyinka said he felt a “rascally pleasure” seeing Amaechi refuse to step down, echoing a similar defiance Tinubu once showed against former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s alleged third-term agenda.

“I watched the entire primary election live on TV. It gave me great, rascally pleasure to see the incumbent president receive a taste of his own medicine,” Soyinka said.

“Back then, Tinubu was the last man standing when others had been cowed by unconstitutional withholding of their allocations. He resisted. And now, Amaechi played that same role during the primaries.”

While many aspirants dropped out of the race in favour of Tinubu, Amaechi, along with some others, including former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Pastor Tunde Bakare, and Rochas Okorocha, stayed in until the final vote.

Amaechi emerged as the runner-up, finishing behind Tinubu, who secured the party’s ticket and eventually won the 2023 presidential election.

Since the primary, Amaechi has largely stayed out of the public eye until recently, amid speculation that he is aligning with an emerging opposition bloc within the APC. Many believe he and some others are positioning themselves to challenge Tinubu’s leadership in the 2027 elections by building a political coalition.

Soyinka concluded his remarks by framing Amaechi’s political courage as a vital ingredient for democratic integrity.

“That is what democracy is all about—standing firm for your beliefs. Amaechi exemplified that spirit, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching it unfold.”

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Politics

David Mark Holds Secret Meeting With PRP Leaders as ADC Crisis Deepens

Published

3 days ago

April 12, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

The embattled National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, on Friday held a closed-door meeting with leaders of the Peoples Redemption Party in Abuja. The private consultation is seen as a fresh round of political moves as the ADC continues to battle a lingering leadership crisis and growing internal divisions.

Top figures from both parties were said to be present at the meeting, including PRP National Chairman Hakeem Baba-Ahmed and senior ADC officials. The development is already drawing attention as opposition parties continue realignments ahead of the 2027 political season, with many watching closely for possible alliances and next steps in the party crisis.

Politics

“ADC is a Holy Party, Cannot be used to Scam Nigerians Again” – Hon Success Opara tells David Mark

Published

3 days ago

April 11, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

ADC Party in Turmoil: Hon Success Opara Slams Leadership, Warns Against Scamming Nigerians

Abuja, Nigeria – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is facing internal strife as Hon Success Opara, a prominent party official, has warned against attempts to use the party to deceive Nigerians. Opara specifically criticized the leadership of David Mark, stating that the party cannot be used to scam citizens again.

“ADC holy Party cannot be used to scam Nigerians again,” Opara said, emphasizing that those forming coalitions are hindering the party’s growth and denying youths opportunities to thrive.

“Those who are forming coalition don’t want to give the youths the chance to strive in the party,” she added.

Opara’s statement highlights the deepening divisions within the ADC, with concerns over leadership and the party’s direction.

Politics

2027: Bala declares aspirants over 55 years disqualified in ADC

Published

4 days ago

April 11, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

The factional National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala Gombe, has announced that the party under his leadership will bar individuals above the age of 55 from contesting for political positions.

Gombe made the disclosure during an interview with BBC Hausa, where he outlined a vision centred on generational change and greater youth participation in politics.

“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is a party that belongs to all Nigerians. What we are doing now is to ensure the party moves forward properly.

“We have decided that we will give the youths a real chance. The time has come for young people to take the lead in politics.

“If you are over 55 years old, you are not going to contest for positions in the ADC under our leadership.

“We want to bring in fresh blood, new ideas, and energy from the youth. Nigeria’s future depends on the young generation.

“The old ways have not worked well for the country. We need to open the door wide for youths to participate fully as candidates, leaders, and decision-makers,” he said.