Ola Akinwunmi
Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has praised former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, for his courage in refusing to step down for President Bola Tinubu during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary contest in 2022.
Soyinka spoke at Amaechi’s 60th birthday celebration in Abuja, highlighting Amaechi’s fighting spirit and defiance in the face of adversity.
Soyinka revealed that he watched the primary election live from Abu Dhabi and was impressed by Amaechi’s determination to stay in the race despite pressure to concede. Amaechi’s decision reminded Soyinka of Tinubu’s own defiance during the Olusegun Obasanjo era, when Tinubu resisted efforts to amend the constitution to allow for a third term.
Soyinka praised Amaechi’s stance, saying it exemplified the principles of democracy. While others conceded, Amaechi stood firm, refusing to give up. Soyinka noted that Amaechi’s actions gave Tinubu “a dose of his own medicine,” a testament to Amaechi’s courage and conviction.
The APC presidential primary election saw Tinubu emerge victorious with 1,271 votes, while Amaechi polled 316 votes to come second. Then Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo received 235 votes.
Soyinka’s tribute to Amaechi highlights the former minister’s unwavering commitment to his principles. Amaechi’s stand during the primary election serves as a testament to his courage and dedication to democracy.
