Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has commended former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi for displaying exceptional courage during the 2022 All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries. Speaking at Amaechi’s 60th birthday celebration, Soyinka noted that Amaechi’s refusal to step down for President Bola Tinubu was a bold and principled stand that reminded him of past political defiance. He described the moment as a symbolic reversal—Amaechi delivering to Tinubu the same kind of resistance Tinubu once showed during the Olusegun Obasanjo era.
Soyinka shared that he watched the primaries live from Abu Dhabi and was particularly moved by Amaechi’s stance. He recalled Tinubu’s history of opposing constitutional manipulation under Obasanjo, likening Amaechi’s action to Tinubu’s own fight against an overreaching presidency. According to Soyinka, while most other contenders were quick to concede or align with Tinubu, Amaechi stood his ground, thereby upholding democratic integrity and challenging internal party pressure.
The playwright emphasized that Amaechi’s resolve embodied the true spirit of democracy. “I didn’t come all the way here to commit ‘lúle’,” Amaechi declared at the time, signaling his commitment to the race despite the odds. Tinubu ultimately won the primary with 1,271 votes, followed by Amaechi with 316, and then-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo with 235. Soyinka said Amaechi’s refusal to concede earned his admiration and symbolized resistance against political conformity.
