Nobel Prize winner Wole Soyinka praised former Rivers State leader Chibuike Amaechi for standing firm during the 2022 presidential race. Amaechi refused to quit when other candidates backed Bola Tinubu for the ruling party ticket. The literary giant spoke at Amaechi's 60th birthday party held during the weekend across Abuja. Soyinka said he watched the primary election drama from Abu Dhabi and enjoyed seeing Tinubu face real competition. The writer admired how Amaechi fought until the very end against the current president.
Most APC hopefuls stepped aside to support Tinubu but Amaechi kept campaigning alongside Yemi Osinbajo and other candidates. The former transportation minister finished second behind Tinubu during the party contest. Amaechi helped bring Tinubu to power back during 2015 when they worked together against Goodluck Jonathan. Both men spent their money and energy to make Muhammadu Buhari president for eight years. Amaechi turned against his former ally and leads opposition efforts aimed at removing Tinubu during 2027.
Soyinka compared Amaechi's resistance to how Tinubu once fought former president Obasanjo over third term plans. The writer said Tinubu stood alone when other governors gave up after losing federal funding. Amaechi showed similar courage by refusing to surrender during the primary race. Soyinka believes this kind of fighting spirit represents what democracy should look like. The celebration honored a politician who never backs down from important battles.
Most APC hopefuls stepped aside to support Tinubu but Amaechi kept campaigning alongside Yemi Osinbajo and other candidates. The former transportation minister finished second behind Tinubu during the party contest. Amaechi helped bring Tinubu to power back during 2015 when they worked together against Goodluck Jonathan. Both men spent their money and energy to make Muhammadu Buhari president for eight years. Amaechi turned against his former ally and leads opposition efforts aimed at removing Tinubu during 2027.
Soyinka compared Amaechi's resistance to how Tinubu once fought former president Obasanjo over third term plans. The writer said Tinubu stood alone when other governors gave up after losing federal funding. Amaechi showed similar courage by refusing to surrender during the primary race. Soyinka believes this kind of fighting spirit represents what democracy should look like. The celebration honored a politician who never backs down from important battles.
