A heated exchange between Omoyele Sowore and Rotimi Amaechi has stirred reactions ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections.
The confrontation happened during a political session at the Nigerian Bar Association conference in Port Harcourt.
Both men disagreed sharply over fuel subsidy removal, infrastructure and the performance of Nigeria’s political leaders.
Sowore later discussed the clash during an interview with Arise News on Tuesday.
He said he confronted Amaechi over comments made during their exchange and demanded an apology.
Sowore also recalled Amaechi’s years in government, including his time as Rivers State governor and Transportation Minister.
He argued that activists helped create the democracy that allowed politicians like Amaechi to hold public office.
“If I didn’t fight for democracy, Rotimi Amaechi would not be standing there yesterday if we were still under military rule,” Sowore stated.
The disagreement also focused on the removal of petrol subsidies and its effect on Nigerians.
Sowore criticised successive governments for failing to provide reliable public transport before removing the subsidy.
He also questioned the impact of some railway projects linked to Amaechi’s time as transportation minister.
Amaechi, however, defended his record and challenged Sowore’s criticism of his time in office.
The former governor reportedly told Sowore to “close your mouth” while experienced politicians were speaking.
Amaechi also questioned the records of politicians seeking higher office after serving in government.
As the 2027 race approaches, the exchange shows how sharply political views are already dividing potential contenders.
