‘Leave INEC, courts alone’ — Amaechi challenges Bola Tinubu camp

By Lawrence Agbo

Former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has challenged allies of President Bola Tinubu to steer clear of the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), amid growing tensions ahead of the 2027 elections.

Amaechi alleged that opposition leaders are facing intimidation, insisting that if the ruling camp is confident of victory, it should allow democratic institutions to operate without interference.

“If Tinubu is confident he would win in 2027, he should tell Nuhu Ribadu to leave the judiciary and INEC alone,” he said.

The former Rivers State governor also faulted the interpretation of a recent Court of Appeal judgment, which he said was used to suggest that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) lacks leadership.

According to him, such interpretations are being pushed to weaken opposition parties and prevent strong candidates from emerging ahead of the polls.

“look at the interpretation by the curt of Appeal, Amupitan the INEc chairman interpreted it to mean that we (ADC) dare leaderless”

Amaechi maintained that the strategy being deployed involves using government institutions to disrupt rival political platforms, warning that this could undermine the credibility of the electoral process.

He called for a level playing field, urging authorities to allow all parties to participate freely, stressing that only a transparent and fair contest can reflect the true will of the people in 2027.