By TheDailyNewsHub News Desk | October 2, 2026
Former Minister of Transportation and African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, has challenged anyone accusing him of corruption to provide evidence, insisting that his long involvement in Nigerian politics has not resulted in his arrest.
Amaechi made the remarks in an interview on Channels Television on Friday, October 2, 2026.
“I am waiting for the person that will prove that I am corrupt. Have you asked why they are finding it difficult to arrest me? And I’ve been in politics since 1987,” the former Rivers State governor said.
His comments come amid renewed public attention to corruption allegations connected to his time in public office, particularly his eight-year administration as governor of Rivers State between 2007 and 2015.
Amaechi has faced allegations relating to the handling and sale of state-owned assets during his administration. One major controversy involved an alleged ₦96 billion withdrawal from the Rivers State treasury and transactions involving government-owned assets, including gas turbine facilities and the proposed monorail project.
The allegations led to the establishment of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry by the administration of his successor, Nyesom Wike. Amaechi challenged the investigation in court, arguing that it was intended to embarrass and politically persecute him.
In May 2022, the Supreme Court dismissed his appeal seeking to stop the commission’s investigation. However, the court made an important distinction about the commission’s powers, explaining that it was a fact-finding body rather than a court of law and had no authority to try anyone or determine criminal liability.
The ruling did not amount to a criminal conviction of Amaechi. It also did not prevent appropriate authorities from pursuing any separate lawful investigation or prosecution supported by evidence.
The Rivers State Government subsequently announced criminal charges relating to the alleged misuse of public funds and sale of state assets. Channels Television reported in June 2022 that the state government said it had filed charges against Amaechi and other individuals. The filing of charges, however, is distinct from proof of guilt, and the available reports do not establish a final criminal conviction against the former governor in connection with those allegations.
The controversy resurfaced in July 2026 following reports about a Rivers State Government White Paper on the findings of the commission of inquiry. The document reportedly raised questions about transactions involving state-owned power assets, the monorail project and other public infrastructure during Amaechi’s administration.
Amaechi has previously rejected the allegations and described the inquiry as politically motivated. His latest remarks appear to renew his challenge to those who question his record in public office, although the Channels Television post does not provide enough of the surrounding interview or event to establish the full context in which he made the statement.
Amaechi’s political career dates back to the late 1980s. He later served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, governor of Rivers State for two terms and Minister of Transportation under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 to 2022.
He is currently the ADC’s vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, following the party’s announcement of his selection as running mate to its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
His comments are likely to keep scrutiny on his public record and the outstanding questions surrounding the allegations from his years in Rivers State Government. However, allegations, investigative findings and criminal convictions remain legally distinct, and any determination of criminal responsibility must be made through the appropriate judicial process.