Amaechi, who also served as governor of Rivers State, made the comments on Thursday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has said that while former President Muhammadu Buhari did not accomplish all his objectives in office, his administration still performed better than that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Amaechi, who also served as governor of Rivers State, made the comments on Thursday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

“Not everything was achieved. Buhari will tell you that he did not achieve all that he planned for. But then, he was better than the current government by all standards,” Amaechi said.

He pointed to security and institutional independence as key areas where Buhari’s government fared better than Tinubu’s administration, both of which are under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Amaechi’s remarks add to growing criticism of the Tinubu-led government, particularly regarding economic hardship and worsening insecurity since the removal of fuel subsidies and other major reforms.

“In terms of security, Buhari focused on it. In transportation, I’m open to a new challenge. Again, the independence of INEC was higher in Buhari’s government than now.

“Now, they can’t even register a party because government officials are telling them not to. Those who applied to INEC for registration — their rents have expired,” he said.

He also emphasised that his criticism of President Tinubu is not personal, stating that he would be the first to commend the President if he believed the administration was delivering positive results.

“If Tinubu was doing well, I’d be the first to sing his praises. I feel ashamed for a President commissioning 16 kilometres of road, that’s what a local government chairman should be doing," he said.

The former minister accused the Tinubu administration of mishandling the economy, insisting that it has worsened poverty across the country.

Amaechi stated that the current government has completely ruined the economy, adding that any economic policy that fails to put money in the pockets of Nigerians cannot be considered a real economic policy.

“You’re making savings from removing the subsidy, from floating the naira — where is the money? Where is it going?” he said.

He said that Nigeria's socio-economic structure has collapsed into just two classes — the elite and the poor.

According to him, the current government has created a system where only its members belong to the wealthy class. The middle class, he said, has disappeared, while the number of people living in poverty continues to grow.

"At this rate," he warned, "a time will come when the poor will no longer be visible — because they’ll all be dead."

The former Rivers State governor also defended his time in office, insisting his record remains clean and that he never stole public funds.

He dismissed suggestions that his criticism of the Tinubu administration stems from being denied a political appointment.

“I never stole anything in politics. I don’t drive a Rolls-Royce. I’m not in opposition because Tinubu didn’t give me an appointment. I’m not interested in any appointment.

“If there’s anyone who says Amaechi deceived them, let them come forward. If there was corruption in my tenure, let them come forward. I’m waiting,” Amaechi said.

Meanwhile, in 2022, Amaechi officially announced his bid for the presidency under the APC.

Commenting on his capacity to lead the nation, Amaechi—who is actively involved in ongoing coalition discussions—stated that he possesses the competence to achieve results where the current administration is falling short.

“Of course, can I lead Nigeria? Yes. I have led as a Speaker, and I was one of the best Speakers in this country,” he said.

“Nigerians would not have been this hungry if I had become President. There is absolutely no way we would have this level of insecurity under me,” he said.

Amaechi pledged complete transparency regarding his credentials and fitness to lead, stating that he would soon make key documents public.

“In the next three weeks, I’ll release my health records, age, birth certificate, and school certificate. I want to reassure Nigerians that if I become president, I won’t be flying abroad for medical treatment,” Amaechi said.

Speaking on party politics, Amaechi praised the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where he is a prominent figure in a new coalition preparing for the 2027 general elections.

“Once the people are ready to reclaim their power, they can. That’s exactly what the ADC is working towards — ending political apathy and restoring power to the people,” he said.

He further noted that the fate of the proposed All Democratic Alliance (ADA), being considered as a merger platform, would be decided by the ADC leadership.

Amaechi emphasised that the coalition’s mission goes beyond electoral contests.

He also took aim at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the body of aiding the ruling APC by narrowing the political space and stifling opposition.