The Coalition for the Defence of Nigeria’s Democracy (CDND) has called for the arrest and prosecution of former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, over what it describes as inflammatory and destabilizing statements that threaten national peace.
In a statement released Monday in Abuja and signed by the group’s National President, Dr. Rufus Obadiah, the CDND compared Amaechi’s rhetoric to that of detained separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu, accusing him of promoting unrest and undermining national stability.
The group cited a speech delivered by Amaechi at the launch of the 2025 Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey Report by the Africa Polling Institute in Abuja.
According to CDND, the former minister’s remarks about revolution and bloodshed cross the line into dangerous territory.
“Amaechi said the only way to stop President Bola Tinubu in 2027 is for Nigerians to take their fate into their own hands and then went further to suggest that no revolution can succeed without blood,” Obadiah stated.
The group described the comments as a direct incitement to violence, highlighting his reference to global examples of civil uprisings in countries such as Bangladesh and Peru, and his lament that Nigerians are “too docile” to challenge the status quo.
“There is no meaningful difference between Rotimi Amaechi and Nnamdi Kanu in this context,” the statement read.
“Both have used inflammatory language, promoted civic disobedience, and hinted at bloodshed to advance their political causes.”
Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State and ex-minister under President Muhammadu Buhari, recently left the All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), with a public declaration of his ambition to contest the 2027 presidential election.
However, CDND dismissed his candidacy, criticizing both his track record and recent statements.
“Rotimi Amaechi has never worked in the private sector for even a day in his life,” said Obadiah.
“And yet, Nigeria’s transport sector remains in shambles, our seaports dysfunctional, and the rail projects he championed mired in debt, opacity, and inflation.”
The group also condemned Amaechi’s comment blaming the masses for their continued subjugation under elite control.
“The same elites who made a mess of governance are now mocking the people they failed. It is the height of insensitivity,” Obadiah added.
CDND took particular exception to a line in Amaechi’s speech, where he reportedly said:
“200 million Nigerians can fight 100,000 elites.”
The group called this “a call to arms disguised as political analysis,” likening it to rhetoric that previously led to the arrest of Nnamdi Kanu. CDND questioned why, given the similarity, Amaechi had not yet faced legal consequences.
The organisation called on security agencies, including the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), to investigate the matter and ensure that justice is served.
“Failure to act will set a dangerous precedent,” the statement warned.
CDND also demanded clarity from the ADC, questioning whether the party endorsed such radical rhetoric from its new member.
“The African Democratic Congress must make it clear whether it stands for democratic dialogue or revolutionary violence. The 2027 election is not a war,” it said.
Finally, Obadiah issued a strong warning to young Nigerians, urging them not to be misled by what he called “violent fantasy masquerading as reform.”
“Nigeria’s recovery must come through lawful, democratic means, not bloodshed,” he said.
“Amaechi has nothing new to offer. Now, he wants to burn down what remains of Nigeria’s democracy so he can rise from its ashes. That is not patriotism. That is sabotage. And it must not go unpunished.”
