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Amaechi Says He Will End Identity-Based Politics if Elected President

Written by

Promise Odejide

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Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has said he would end identity-based politics in Nigeria if elected President, insisting that governance must be based on citizenship rather than ethnicity or religion.

The former Rivers State governor made the remarks in a video, where he criticised what he described as deepening divisions in Nigeria’s political system, saying they continue to shape elections and weaken national unity.

“Citizens first, not tribe or religion”

Amaechi said Nigerians should be treated equally regardless of background, adding that leadership should not be defined by ethnic or religious identity.

“If I become President, there will not be this issue. There will be citizenship first and foremost, citizens of Nigeria,” he said.

He argued that politicians often rely on ethnic and religious sentiments to mobilise voters, a trend he said must change.

“All these, I’m from the West, North or East, and they are calling people to vote for you based on religion,” he added.

Federal character under scrutiny

The former governor also questioned the effectiveness of the federal character principle, saying it was designed to promote fairness but has in some cases contributed to inefficiency in governance.

He suggested that Nigeria must rethink structural arrangements that encourage division instead of unity.

“If it is because the system is unfair, one way to manage the system is to say give shares to areas,” he said.

Linking insecurity to unemployment

Amaechi also linked insecurity in the country to unemployment and weak governance systems, arguing that crime reduces when people are meaningfully engaged.

“If everybody is employed… you won’t have time to rob,” he said.

“You are at work by 6am and close by 6pm; you are too tired to carry a gun,” he added.

Call for merit-based leadership

He urged Nigerians to focus on competence and track record when choosing leaders, rather than identity-based considerations.

Amaechi said Nigeria must move towards a system where performance, not ethnicity or religion, determines leadership selection.

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