ADC’s Amaechi Says NDC’s Peter Obi Would Not Steal If Elected President
Former Rivers State governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, has said Peter Obi would not steal public funds if elected president, arguing that the conduct of a president can influence the behaviour of members of his administration.
Amaechi made the remarks during an interview on AIT’s Democracy Today, in which he discussed corruption and its impact on Nigeria’s security, education and economy. The comments were made in the context of the ADC’s proposed approach to governance ahead of the 2027 general election.
> “If Peter Obi becomes president, he won’t steal and people in his cabinet won’t steal. The president’s body language matters, even though I don’t support him.”
Amaechi, who is running as the running mate to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar on the ADC ticket, stressed that the disposition of a president could set the tone for the conduct of officials serving under him.
He argued that corruption diverts resources meant for development into private hands, making it difficult for government to adequately address challenges in areas such as security, education and the economy.
Amaechi, however, made clear that his remarks about Obi’s integrity should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the former Anambra State governor, stressing that he does not support Obi politically.
The statement has since generated reactions, particularly among supporters of Obi, with clips of the interview circulating widely and prompting discussions about corruption and leadership in Nigeria. The quotation has also been reproduced in multiple reports and posts following the interview.
Amaechi and Obi are political competitors ahead of the 2027 election, with Amaechi seeking the vice presidency alongside Atiku, while Obi is associated with the opposition NDC platform. Amaechi’s comments therefore drew attention because they came from a politician who is not campaigning on Obi’s ticket.
