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The Mayor of Urhobo Land and Head of the Association of Urhobo Mayoral Family Crown (AUMFC), His Worship Eshanekpe Israel Agimor, popularly known as Akpodoro, has criticised the reported political alliance between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, describing it as a development that may generate concerns among some Nigerians over the issue of power rotation and political balance.
Akpodoro stated this during a stakeholders’ meeting of Niger Delta leaders of thought in Abuja, where he argued that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be allowed to complete two constitutional terms in office, describing continuity as important for the administration to consolidate its policies and programmes.
The Urhobo leader said the emergence of Atiku and Amaechi as political partners would revive debates around the nation’s longstanding conversations on regional balance and the understanding among some political actors that power should rotate between the North and South.
According to him, some southern stakeholders may view the alliance as inconsistent with expectations surrounding the continuation of southern leadership after the current administration.
Akpodoro, who is also a former Niger Delta agitator, criticised what he described as Amaechi’s political choices in previous election cycles, particularly his role in the political coalition that challenged former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration ahead of the 2015 elections.
He argued that political leaders from the Niger Delta and other southern regions should carefully consider the implications of their alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Politics is about choices and consequences. Nigerians will continue to assess the records, decisions and alliances of political leaders before making their choices at the polls,” he said.
The Mayor also questioned the relevance of returning leaders who have occupied major political positions for decades, arguing that Nigerians are increasingly demanding fresh ideas, accountability and leadership focused on national development.
He said President Tinubu’s administration should be given the opportunity to complete its mandate, while urging Nigerians to support efforts aimed at addressing insecurity and economic challenges.
“Beyond political contests, what Nigerians need is stability, development and leaders who can unite the country. The focus should be on building a stronger nation,” Akpodoro stated.
He called on political leaders across regions to prioritise national interest above sectional considerations, adding that the 2027 elections should be an opportunity for Nigerians to evaluate competing visions and records of service.
