According to a report by Nggossips on Thursday, May 14, 2026, former Rivers State governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, stated on Thursday that the ‘Emilokan’ political philosophy that influenced the last presidential election had contributed to worsening hardship among Nigerians.
He made the remark while addressing political developments in the country and reflecting on the outcome of the previous electoral cycle.
According to him, the approach adopted in the last election cycle had continued to shape governance decisions and national outcomes in ways that have affected the general population.
Amaechi maintained that Nigeria can no longer sustain a system of leadership selection based on ethnicity, religion, or the belief that it is someone’s “turn” to occupy political office.
He stressed that such considerations should not determine who leads the country at any level.
He added that leadership choices should be guided by broader national interests rather than sectional expectations or political rotation arrangements that do not prioritize capability.
He further indicated that the country’s present situation requires a shift away from sentiments that influenced previous elections.
He emphasized that governance decisions rooted in identity politics have placed additional strain on citizens, making it necessary to rethink how leaders are selected.
He noted that continued reliance on such frameworks would not address the pressing challenges facing the nation.
The remarks came as part of a wider political engagement in which Amaechi expressed strong reservations about the direction of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and its leadership approach ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
