Former Rivers State Governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential running mate, Rotimi Amaechi, has revealed how a threat of arrest by former President Olusegun Obasanjo forced him to leave Nigeria for Ghana while fighting to become governor of Rivers State.

Amaechi made the disclosure in a video shared on X, recounting his political battle during the Obasanjo administration and urging Nigerian youths to become more involved in leadership and governance.

He said he refused to abandon his ambition despite attempts to prevent him from becoming governor, adding that he continued the legal battle from Ghana after leaving Nigeria over the threat of arrest.

“President Obasanjo tried to stop me from being a governor, but you will see that I did not go to sleep. I went to court and when he threatened arrest, I left the country,” Amaechi said.

He explained that he remained in Ghana while pursuing the case, which eventually resulted in his emergence as Rivers State governor through a court ruling.

Amaechi also challenged young Nigerians to take advantage of their numerical strength to seek elective and appointive positions, including governorship and ministerial offices.

He cited political developments in some countries where youth-led movements had played significant roles in changing governments, arguing that similar mobilisation could happen in Nigeria.

“The solution is in your hands. You can be a minister or a governor,” he said.

Amaechi further criticised political loyalty based on regional considerations, insisting that his decision to challenge Obasanjo was not influenced by the former president’s southern background.

He served as Rivers State governor from 2007 to 2015 and is now part of the ADC’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.