A former minister of transportation and 2023 presidential hopeful, Rotimi Amaechi, has vowed to eradicate corruption in Nigeria within his first month in office if elected president, or step down from the role.
In June, Amaechi, along with other key opposition figures — including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, and Nasir el-Rufai, former Kaduna governor — announced the formation of a coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to contest the 2027 elections.
The ex-Rivers State governor has expressed his readiness to serve only one term in 2027 should he clinch the ADC’s presidential ticket.
During an X space conversation on Saturday, Amaechi pledged to channel funds saved from the removal of petrol subsidy towards national development if elected.
“So, I will eliminate corruption. Trust me, the first month of my being in office, corruption will disappear. If it doesn’t disappear, I will tender my resignation letter, and I will leave. I’m not joking,” he said.
He faulted the current administration’s management of subsidy funds, accusing federal officials and governors of using the proceeds for personal indulgence.
“The problem of the current government is that the benefit of the subsidy is shared between three or four persons at the federal level and the governors. And the governors are holding beach parties, having fun with young girls,” he said.
“It will not happen with me; I will supervise the government. Honestly, I will supervise the government.”
Amaechi further rejected any possibility of reinstating petrol subsidies, calling them harmful to the nation’s economy.
“I will supervise my government. I won’t bring back subsidy, that’s impossible, because the situation is bad in terms of the economy of Nigeria,” he added.
“But I have also said that the subsidy removal is not successful. Money is going into private pockets.
“I will ensure the outcome of the removal of the subsidy is put back in the hands and pockets of Nigerians. If that happens, it will reduce poverty, and we would have capacity to purchase.”