April 17, 2026 | Nigeria
Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has alleged that his exits from both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) were not voluntary, claiming he was politically pushed out of both major parties.
Amaechi made the comments during a live interview on Channels Television, where he reflected on his political journey and shifting party affiliations, currently with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
According to him, his troubles began in the PDP during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, whom he accused—alongside his wife—of orchestrating his removal from the party structure in Rivers State.
“I was literally chased out of PDP. The president and his wife took over the political structure in Rivers State and pushed me out,” Amaechi said.
He further claimed that his role as Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum contributed to internal political tensions that eventually led to his exit.
Amaechi also stated that a similar situation played out in the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he insisted he was again sidelined and politically isolated.
“The same thing happened in APC. I was pushed out,” he said, adding that he subsequently moved to the ADC.
Beyond party politics, the former minister said his disagreements also stem from what he described as concerns over governance direction and inclusivity in national leadership.
He argued that Nigeria’s diversity requires careful political balance to accommodate all ethnic and regional interests, warning that exclusion could deepen national tension.
“You must ensure every group feels represented. Nigeria is complex, and no section should feel left out,” he said.
Amaechi also criticised what he described as rising political retaliation against outspoken figures, insisting that his criticisms of government policies have often made him a target.
“When I speak against injustice, they come after me,” he added.
His remarks have since sparked fresh debate in political circles, particularly regarding party internal democracy, power struggles, and elite influence within Nigeria’s major political parties.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor reactions to this development.
