By Wakirike Herald

The Director of Media of the Tinubu Support Group (TSG), Bayelsa chapter, Udengs Eradiri, has criticised remarks attributed to Rotimi Amaechi about supporters of President Bola Tinubu, insisting that their electoral preference should not attract insults.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Eradiri said Tinubu’s supporters were “madly in love” with the President and would campaign for his re-election in 2027.

His response followed comments in which Amaechi reportedly described those who would vote for Tinubu as thieves and people with mental health problems. The remarks have drawn criticism from supporters of the administration. punchng.com

Amaechi, a former Rivers State governor and transportation minister, is the African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, running alongside former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar. African Democratic Congress

Defence of Tinubu’s Record

Eradiri described the reported comments as reckless and disrespectful, arguing that Nigerians were entitled to support candidates of their choice.

“President Tinubu is our democratic choice and we will reelect him,” he said.

He maintained that Tinubu deserved a second term to consolidate his administration’s reforms, which he credited with laying the foundation for economic progress.

According to Eradiri, four years would be insufficient to achieve the changes the country needed. He argued that opposition candidates had yet to demonstrate how they would manage public resources or address Nigeria’s challenges more effectively.

These assessments represent Eradiri’s position. His statement did not provide detailed indicators to substantiate the claimed benefits of the reforms.

The TSG official also accused Amaechi of inconsistency, recalling his previous role in persuading Nigerians to support the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He questioned why voters who continued to support the party should now be condemned by a politician who had helped campaign for it.

Southern Presidency Argument

Eradiri said his support for Tinubu also reflected his belief that the presidency should remain in the South until 2031.

He argued that allowing the President another term would preserve the principle of regional power rotation before a subsequent transfer to the North.

That position is a political argument advanced by Eradiri, rather than a guarantee of the outcome of the 2027 election.

He accused Amaechi of undermining southern political interests and drew parallels with the political opposition faced by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Eradiri also dismissed the electoral prospects of the Atiku-Amaechi ticket, although his statement offered no polling evidence to support that prediction.

Rivers Projects and Maritime University

The former Ijaw Youths Council president further challenged Amaechi to address allegations he attributed to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike concerning transactions and projects during Amaechi’s tenure as Rivers governor.

He referred to the Olympia Hotel transaction, the sale of state-owned power plants, the Rivers monorail and the Karibi Whyte Hospital project.

The allegations were not accompanied by supporting records in the supplied statement. The financial figures could not be independently established and are therefore omitted from this report. No response from Amaechi to these specific allegations was included in the material provided.

Eradiri also criticised Amaechi’s position on the establishment of the Nigeria Maritime University in Okerenkoko, Delta State, during his tenure as transportation minister.

He argued that Niger Delta voters would consider candidates’ records on institutions and projects relevant to the region’s development.

For coastal communities, maritime education, employment and infrastructure remain significant subjects for public debate. Assessing candidates on those issues requires clear records and specific proposals.

Call for Responsible Campaigning

Eradiri urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, the National Broadcasting Commission and the Nigeria Police Force to enforce applicable rules governing electioneering statements.

He said political parties should seek support through their achievements, programmes and manifestos.

“Serious parties and candidates are expected to campaign with their achievements, programmes and manifesto to convince the people and show them what they will do better than the ruling party,” he said.

Despite the exchange, Eradiri maintained that Tinubu’s supporters would continue mobilising for his re-election.

The dispute brings campaign language into focus ahead of 2027. Voters also need substantive answers about living costs, employment, security and regional development, alongside evidence against which competing promises can be judged.

Wakirike Herald
The Voice of Wakirike People Everywhere