According to a video shared by Trust TV News, on Tuesday May 19, 2026, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi dismissed claims that his criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is driven by ethnic interests, stressing that he sees himself first as a Nigerian rather than a regional political figure.…....
Amaechi, who is a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the comments during an interview on Trust TV News on Tuesday. He rejected suggestions that his political position could be viewed by some Southerners as an effort to weaken Tinubu’s administration simply because both politicians are from the South.
Speaking on the issue, Amaechi said he does not operate from an ethnic perspective and insisted that national interest remains his focus. He maintained that he has always believed in politics that unites Nigerians rather than promoting regional divisions.
The former minister also criticized remarks allegedly made by former APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole regarding his political relevance on the national stage. Amaechi expressed displeasure over the comments but said he was trying to avoid engaging in a direct confrontation.
He argued that Oshiomhole frequently makes public remarks about him and stated that he would eventually respond when the time is appropriate. However, Amaechi added that he was reluctant to trade words publicly because of their previous political relationship.
Amaechi explained that he once occupied a leadership position over Oshiomhole within party structures and said he preferred not to escalate tensions despite the criticism.
The discussion also shifted to Nigeria’s zoning arrangement. Amaechi said he supports zoning in some respects because of Nigeria’s political realities, while also acknowledging differing opinions. He noted that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed a different position on the issue, suggesting that political contests should ultimately be decided through party primaries.
In his own words, he remarked, “I listen to this man. I don’t want to abuse him. Because I think I will be bringing myself down to him at 70 something. I’m not yet 70. He can’t watch what he says.”
