A heated exchange occurred between former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore during the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The disagreement happened during a political session at the conference, where presidential contenders and representatives discussed issues including governance, security, policing, fuel subsidy and Nigeria’s future.
Amaechi, who represented African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar at the event, was responding to issues raised during the session when Sowore challenged the record of politicians who had previously occupied public office.
Sowore questioned the performance of former political office holders and argued that Nigerians should examine the records of those who had governed before seeking fresh mandates.
He particularly criticised Amaechi’s record as former governor of Rivers State and former Minister of Transportation, raising concerns about infrastructure, education and the implementation of policies affecting ordinary Nigerians.
The exchange became tense when Amaechi responded to Sowore and told him to remain silent while politicians were speaking. His remark, “when politicians are talking, close your mouth,” quickly became one of the most discussed moments from the conference.
Amaechi also challenged Sowore to examine his own experience and invited Rivers lawyers to show the AAC candidate projects undertaken during his tenure as governor.
The former governor defended his record in government, particularly his work in the transportation sector. He referred to railway projects undertaken during his time as Minister of Transportation and argued that his performance should be assessed based on what was achieved while he held public office.
Sowore, however, maintained his criticism of the political establishment. He argued that politicians who had previously governed Nigeria or held major public offices should be held accountable for their records.
He also criticised the removal of fuel subsidy, saying he had consistently opposed the policy. According to Sowore, the debate should focus on who benefits from subsidy arrangements and whether government policies actually improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
The disagreement between the two politicians occurred against the backdrop of growing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The NBA conference has provided a platform for politicians to discuss some of the major issues likely to shape the forthcoming election, including insecurity, economic hardship, fuel pricing, police reform and governance.
Other political figures, including Peter Obi and Social Democratic Party presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo, also participated in discussions at the conference. Different positions were presented on how Nigeria could address its security and economic challenges.
The confrontation between Amaechi and Sowore has since generated reactions from political observers and members of the public, with some focusing on the importance of experience in governance and others emphasising accountability and the need for new political approaches.
The incident highlights the increasingly competitive political atmosphere ahead of 2027, as candidates and political parties attempt to convince Nigerians that they have the solutions to the country’s challenges.
As political activities continue, issues surrounding the records of former office holders, economic reforms and the direction of Nigeria’s leadership are expected to remain central to public debate.
