Politics
Amaechi Says Peter Obi Would Not Steal if Elected President
Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has praised Peter Obi’s perceived integrity, saying Obi would not steal public money if elected president and that his cabinet would likely follow the same standard.
Amaechi, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, vice-presidential candidate, made the remarks during an interview on AIT’s Democracy Today. He used Obi as an example while discussing how a president’s conduct and “body language” can influence corruption within government.
“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 said.
Amaechi’s Point on Corruption
Amaechi argued that the seriousness of a president can set the tone for public officials, especially in sectors where corruption is alleged to be entrenched.
Using fuel importation as an example, he said a president who makes it clear that corrupt officials will face punishment can discourage theft and abuse of public resources.
“It takes one day to fight corruption. Trust me. You see, it’s the head. If the head is a thief and shows I want to steal, then everybody says, yeah, our mind is bad. If the head is not a thief and says, look, I’m not going to steal, then nobody will steal,” he said.
Amaechi’s statement was therefore an endorsement of the principle of leadership by example. He identified Obi as someone whose personal conduct, in his view, could send a strong anti-corruption message across government.
Not a Political Endorsement
Amaechi also made a clear qualification: he said he does not support Obi politically.
That distinction is important because Amaechi is running as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s vice-presidential candidate on the ADC platform, while Obi is contesting the 2027 presidential election separately.
His comment should therefore not be reported as an endorsement of Obi’s candidacy or a withdrawal of support for Atiku. It is more accurately described as a public acknowledgement of a quality Amaechi associates with Obi—his perceived opposition to corruption.
Different Views on Fuel Subsidy
Amaechi and Obi share concerns about corruption and the economic burden on Nigerians, but they have expressed different approaches to fuel subsidy policy.
| Political figure | Position reported on subsidy |
| Rotimi Amaechi | Has argued that poor Nigerians should benefit from subsidy and has supported a production-focused approach tied to domestic refining |
| Peter Obi | Has supported subsidy removal in principle but argued that the proceeds must be transparently managed and invested in areas that directly benefit citizens |
At an NBA conference in Port Harcourt, Obi said mismanagement of funds saved from subsidy removal was not, by itself, a reason to reverse the policy. He argued that an administration should provide Nigerians with visible alternatives and productive use of the savings.
Amaechi, meanwhile, said subsidy should serve poor Nigerians rather than wealthy interests and has criticised the current administration’s handling of fuel prices and economic hardship.
Why the Comment Matters
Amaechi’s remarks are notable because they come at a time when Nigeria’s opposition space remains fragmented ahead of 2027.
Political figure | Current 2027 position
Atiku Abubakar | ADC presidential candidate
Rotimi Amaechi | ADC vice-presidential candidate
Peter Obi | Separate presidential contender
The statement could fuel speculation among supporters because Amaechi and Obi have both been associated with wider opposition efforts against the ruling APC. However, nothing in Amaechi’s remarks indicates that he has abandoned the ADC ticket or joined Obi’s political camp.
Instead, the comment shows that rival politicians can recognise one another’s strengths while remaining competitors.
Bottom Line
Amaechi says Peter Obi would not steal if elected president and believes that a leader’s personal integrity can influence the conduct of cabinet members and public officials.
But he also explicitly said he does not support Obi politically. The remarks are praise for Obi’s perceived anti-corruption image—not an endorsement of his 2027 presidential bid or a break from Amaechi’s alliance with Atiku Abubakar.
Nigeria's 2027 opposition coalition: compare the alliance dynamics, candidates, and strategy behind Atiku, Obi, and Amaechi joining the ADC.