Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A fierce war of words erupted at the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association in Port Harcourt on Monday, August 24, 2026, as former Rivers State Governor and Vice Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Rotimi Amaechi, launched a scathing attack on African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, publicly telling him to "close your mouth" when politicians are talking. The heated exchange, which unfolded during a political session themed "Beyond Limits," brought together presidential candidates and representatives from various political parties to discuss Nigeria's political future ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The clash began when Sowore, known for his activist background and sharp criticism of the political establishment, made remarks suggesting that Amaechi had failed during his tenure as Rivers State Governor and Minister of Transportation. Sowore had earlier argued that Nigerians should not allow politicians, including Amaechi, to lie to them going into the 2027 elections, asserting that those who had been in government for several years have no business contesting because they have failed. The AAC candidate also strongly opposed the argument that subsidy removal was beneficial to Nigerians, insisting that the poor were the primary beneficiaries of petrol subsidy.
A visibly angry Amaechi responded by pointing to his achievements in office, asking Sowore to keep quiet when experienced politicians were speaking. "Where are those from Lagos? The Lagos-Ibadan railway is working or not? I don't know about Tinubu's time, but during our time, it was working," Amaechi said, referencing his tenure as Minister of Transportation. He also questioned the status of the Abuja-Kaduna rail line under the current administration. Turning his attention directly to Sowore, Amaechi challenged his political credentials, asking, "Please, I need Rivers lawyers to take Sowore around. What is your experience?". He then delivered the stinging rebuke that has since gone viral: "When politicians are talking, Sowore, close your mouth".
The former governor also took the opportunity to defend his record and criticise other political figures. He argued that transportation policy should form part of the conversation around fuel subsidy, citing the railway project built by a former Rivers State governor. He also criticised former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, saying he failed to adequately subsidise education during his tenure, noting that lecturers and doctors went on strike for 13 months. "You can like him as a person, but he did not perform as a governor," Amaechi said of Obi. He further defended his own record as Minister of Transportation, stating that the Lagos-Ajaokuta railway was operational during his tenure, adding, "I do not know why it is not working under Tinubu. Same thing for Abuja-Kaduna rail".
The political session featured a range of presidential candidates and representatives, including Sowore (AAC), Peter Obi (Nigeria Democratic Congress), Adewole Adebayo (Social Democratic Party), and Amaechi, who represented former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar. The presidential candidate of the People's Redemption Party, Donald Duke, was also present at the conference. The exchange between Amaechi and Sowore added significant tension to the political discussion, which had already been charged with debates over fuel subsidy removal, transportation policy, and the records of former public office holders.
The clash has generated widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians weighing in on the exchange. Some have commended Amaechi for standing his ground and defending his record, while others have criticised his dismissive attitude towards Sowore, arguing that it reflects the arrogance of Nigeria's political class. Sowore, a human rights activist and founder of Sahara Reporters, has built a reputation for challenging the political establishment and advocating for accountability. His exchange with Amaechi underscores the deep divisions and personal animosities that are likely to characterise the 2027 presidential campaign.
The incident at the NBA conference highlights the growing intensity of political debates ahead of the 2027 elections, with candidates and their representatives increasingly willing to engage in direct confrontation. As the political season gathers momentum, the clash between Amaechi and Sowore serves as a preview of the fierce battles to come, as Nigeria's political heavyweights jostle for position and seek to define the narrative of the upcoming electoral contest. The NBA conference, which brought together legal practitioners and political figures, provided a platform for these debates, but the heated exchange between the two political figures has overshadowed the broader discussions on Nigeria's political future. As the dust settles, the question remains whether such confrontations will contribute to a more robust democratic discourse or further polarise an already divided political landscape.
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