‘Tinubu Has Asked EFCC to Go After Me’ — Amaechi Alleges Political Targeting

‘Tinubu Has Asked EFCC to Go After Me’ — Amaechi Alleges Political Targeting

ADC vice-presidential candidate says contractors linked to his tenure as Transportation Minister have faced arrests and detention, but provides no evidence of a presidential directive.

Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of directing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate him, alleging political targeting amid growing opposition activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Amaechi made the allegation on Friday, November 6, 2026, during an interview with NewsCentral TV, where he launched a fresh attack on the Tinubu administration over governance, insecurity, economic hardship and the conduct of public institutions.

“As I am speaking to you now, the President has asked EFCC to go after me,” Amaechi declared.

The former minister also alleged that contractors who executed projects under the Federal Ministry of Transportation during his tenure had been arrested and detained over the past two years.

However, he did not provide documentary evidence establishing that President Tinubu personally issued the alleged directive or explain the specific circumstances surrounding the reported arrests.

The interview report also did not establish whether Amaechi had received a formal EFCC invitation, whether an investigation had officially commenced against him or the specific allegations, if any, being examined by the commission.

Amaechi's accusation comes amid heightened political tension between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC), under which he is identified as the vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

The former governor has emerged as one of the administration's most vocal critics, repeatedly questioning its handling of the economy, insecurity, education and public finances.

During the same interview, Amaechi questioned the integrity of officials serving in the Tinubu administration and described Nigeria's current condition in deeply critical terms.

He also raised concerns about electoral credibility, alleging that political actors in Rivers State were interfering with the electoral process ahead of the next general elections.

His latest allegation has further brought the relationship between political opposition and anti-corruption institutions into public debate.

THE QUESTION OF EFCC INDEPENDENCE

The EFCC is statutorily empowered to investigate financial crimes and pursue prosecutions in accordance with the law. Its credibility, however, depends on its ability to discharge those responsibilities impartially, without political pressure or preferential treatment.

While former public officials are not immune from lawful investigation, allegations that an anti-corruption agency is being deployed against political opponents should not be dismissed without scrutiny.

Similarly, an investigation, if one exists, should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of political persecution.

The Presidency and the EFCC had not, in the reports reviewed by The Analyst, provided a specific response confirming or denying Amaechi's allegation.

The authorities should therefore clarify whether any investigation involving the former minister exists and whether there is any truth to his claim that the President personally directed the commission to pursue him.

For Amaechi, providing verifiable evidence to substantiate the allegation would strengthen public understanding of the matter.

As Nigeria approaches another electoral cycle, the independence of anti-corruption institutions, respect for due process and protection of political freedoms remain critical to public confidence in democratic governance.

The Analyst will continue to follow developments surrounding the allegation and any official response from the Presidency or the EFCC.