ABUJA — The political warfare within Nigeria’s elite has taken a dark and complex turn, as former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi launched a “nuclear-level” accusation against the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
In a stinging exposé released on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Amaechi alleged that Ribadu is the secret architect of a dual-track strategy: securing a 2027 re-election for President Bola Tinubu while simultaneously clearing a path for his own presidential run in 2031.
The “Smokescreen” Allegation
Amaechi, a chieftain of the rapidly growing African Democratic Congress (ADC), dismissed the recent high-profile legal battles involving former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai as a mere distraction. He argued that the DSS charges against El-Rufai for allegedly bugging the NSA’s phone are a “coordinated smokescreen” intended to mask Ribadu’s long-term ambitions.
“Don’t underestimate the schemes at play—2027 is just the setup for 2031,” Amaechi warned in a viral video statement. “The NSA is propping up the President today only to inherit the throne tomorrow. To achieve this, he has marked the ADC for destruction because he knows we are the only force capable of stopping this APC hegemony.”
ADC Under Siege?
Amaechi’s outburst comes as the ADC emerges as a formidable “Mega Party” coalition, successfully pulling in heavyweights like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai.
- The Sabotage Claim:Â Amaechi alleged that the recent “harassment” of opposition leaders by security agencies is a “calculated power grab” by Ribadu to fracture the ADC before the 2027 campaign begins in earnest.
- Northern Power Struggle:Â Analysts suggest that Ribadu and El-Rufai are locked in a silent but deadly battle for the “Northern Crown” post-2027, with the NSA allegedly using his office to “decapitate” potential rivals.
“A Game of Thrones”—Nigerians Blast the Political Elite
While Amaechi’s revelations have set social media on fire, the reaction from the Nigerian public has been one of deep-seated cynicism and anger. Many citizens view the allegations as a sign of a political class that has completely lost touch with the suffering of the masses.
- “Fighting Over 2031 While We Starve”: “Nigerians are struggling to buy a loaf of bread today, but our leaders are already sharing the 2031 presidency,” remarked Ibrahim Suleiman, a commentator in Abuja. “It’s a disgrace. They are playing ‘Game of Thrones’ while the country is in an economic ICU.”
- “The Puppet Master Theory”:Â Critics on X (formerly Twitter) have blasted Ribadu, suggesting that the Office of the NSA has become “too political.” “If the man meant to protect our national security is busy planning his own 2031 campaign, then who is watching the bandits?” one viral post queried.
- “Amaechi is No Saint”: Many Nigerians were equally critical of Amaechi, reminding him of his own role in building the APC. “Amaechi is only shouting now because he is outside the fence. These were the same tactics they used in 2014. It’s just a case of ‘thieves falling out’,” noted another resident in Port Harcourt.
The Road Ahead
The Presidency has remained silent on Amaechi’s “2031 plot” allegations, but the tension is palpable. With court dates looming for El-Rufai and the ADC stepping up its grassroots mobilization, the battle for the soul of the 2027 elections has officially begun.
For the average Nigerian, the drama at the top is a bitter reminder that in the world of Abuja power plays, the next election is always more important than the current hunger.
