A political discussion at the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, turned tense after African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore questioned the track records of former public office holders seeking political relevance ahead of the 2027 elections.
Former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, who appeared on behalf of African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, strongly rejected Sowore's criticism and challenged him to point to his own experience in governance.
The exchange took place during a session focused on Nigeria's political direction, fuel subsidy removal, transportation and the performance of past administrations.
Sowore argued that politicians who had previously occupied public offices should first account for their achievements and failures before asking Nigerians to support them again.
He questioned the records of Amaechi and former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, insisting that politicians who had governed the country or states should answer for their past performances.
According to Sowore, Nigerians should demand explanations from former office holders rather than simply accepting their renewed promises ahead of another election cycle.
He also linked the country's transportation challenges and fuel subsidy debate to the performance of previous administrations. He maintained that effective transport infrastructure should have helped reduce the impact of rising fuel costs on Nigerians.
Sowore further criticised a railway project associated with Amaechi's time in government, arguing that public infrastructure should ultimately be judged by how much it benefits ordinary citizens.
He also accused Amaechi and his political allies of changing their position on fuel subsidy removal after previously opposing the policy.
Amaechi, however, dismissed the criticism and insisted that his performance should be evaluated based on projects delivered while he held public office.
Defending his record as Rivers governor, he pointed to roads and primary schools constructed during his administration. He also highlighted railway projects undertaken while he served as Minister of Transportation.
Amaechi specifically mentioned the Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja-Kaduna railway lines, questioning whether they had not provided tangible services to Nigerians during his tenure.
The disagreement became more heated as Amaechi challenged Sowore to visit Rivers State and inspect projects carried out under his administration.
“Where are Rivers lawyers? Please take Sowore around,” Amaechi said, before listing some of the roads and schools he claimed were constructed during his tenure.
He then challenged Sowore over his own record in public service, asking, “What is your experience?”
The former governor eventually told Sowore to remain quiet while politicians were speaking, saying, “When politicians are talking, Sowore, close your mouth.”
The NBA's 66th Annual General Conference, themed “Beyond Limits,” is taking place in Port Harcourt from August 21 to 28. The event has attracted prominent lawyers and political figures for discussions on governance, leadership, democracy and Nigeria's future.
The confrontation between Sowore and Amaechi formed part of the wider political debate at the conference as politicians increasingly position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.