Former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi has described the attacks on his family residence in Ubima, Rivers State, and the office of the African Democratic Congress as attempts to distract him and his supporters, insisting that such incidents will not derail the party’s push toward the 2027 general elections.
Amaechi’s residence in Ubima and the nearby ADC secretariat were reportedly attacked by unidentified gunmen shortly before the formal launch of the party’s membership registration exercise in the state. The incidents occurred before the former minister arrived in the community and were followed by another confrontation involving his convoy.
Despite the security scare, Amaechi went ahead with the registration exercise and later addressed a large gathering of supporters who had assembled for the event. During his remarks, he condemned the attacks but praised security agencies for responding quickly to prevent further escalation.
According to a statement released by his media office, the former governor began by expressing sympathy to individuals affected by the violence, including the owner of the building used as the ADC secretariat in the community.
“I want to start by sympathizing with our landlord (at the ADC secretariat, Ubima), and also sympathize with members of the Ubima Ward, which is Ward 8 in Ikwerre Local Government Area,” Amaechi said.
He urged residents and party supporters to remain calm and resist the temptation to retaliate against those responsible for the attacks, warning that such reactions could lead to unnecessary loss of lives.
“Don’t be violent, as violence may lead to death, but at the same time, they can’t stop us from meeting in our communities,” Amaechi added.
The former minister also commended the efforts of security agencies that intervened after the attacks were reported. He acknowledged the role played by officers of the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, noting that their quick response helped stabilise the situation.
“I thank the commissioner of police, and the director of SSS. They showed a lot of professionalism immediately I made contact with them, in fact I wasn’t expecting that level of cooperation,” he said.
“The Police came out, the DSS came out, and the NSCDC, so we’re grateful to them. But they must also know that this cannot continue. They must prosecute those involved in this crime.”
Amaechi stressed that ensuring public safety was a critical responsibility of government and warned that when authorities fail to protect citizens, people may begin to seek ways to defend themselves.
“I have been a governor, and I know the consequences of not protecting the lives of people. People begin to protect their lives by themselves because they want to stay alive. But for now, everybody should calm down,” he stated.
He further urged residents of the state to remain peaceful while continuing to participate in the political process, insisting that the attacks were merely attempts to distract the opposition movement from its broader objectives.
“Our role is to be calm, be peaceful. We are marching to Aso Rock. What they are doing is a distraction. What they are doing will not put food on your table,” Amaechi said.
He also criticised the current economic situation in the country, arguing that widespread hardship and hunger were pushing many Nigerians to demand greater accountability from political leaders.
“Tell them we are hungry. People are dropping dead everyday because of hunger, and some few persons are stealing our money, and they say we should keep quiet. We can no longer keep quiet,” he added.
Amaechi encouraged supporters of the ADC in Rivers State to mobilise and register in large numbers as the party prepares for the next general elections.
“ADC Rivers State must register enmasse. We must make sure that we have enough numbers to surprise them. On Election Day, they will know whether we will vote or not,” he said.
Earlier in the day, the ADC secretariat in Ubima had reportedly been attacked and set on fire by suspected criminals after information circulated that Amaechi would be present in the community to launch the party’s membership registration drive in Rivers State. Following the attack on the building, another attempt was allegedly made to stop the former minister from carrying out the event.
According to the statement from his media office, the assailants later targeted Amaechi’s convoy as he made his way to Ubima for the exercise. Security personnel accompanying the former governor reportedly exchanged gunfire with the attackers, who were eventually repelled after the operatives gained the upper hand.
Despite the tense situation, Amaechi proceeded with the programme and interacted with supporters, reiterating his commitment to political mobilisation in the state and across the country ahead of the 2027 elections.
What You Should Know
Rotimi Amaechi served as governor of Rivers State between 2007 and 2015 before becoming Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
In recent months, he has aligned with the African Democratic Congress as part of a broader opposition movement positioning itself ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The attacks in Ubima have heightened concerns about political tensions and security risks in Rivers State as political activities begin to intensify in the lead-up to the next electoral cycle.
