Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has rejected speculations that he could serve as a vice-presidential candidate in the 2027 elections, reiterating his ambition to contest for the presidency.
The clarification comes amid reports suggesting that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s camp may be considering Amaechi as a potential running mate should Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, decline to team up with Atiku.
Media entrepreneur and Atiku ally, Dele Momodu, had publicly floated the idea, highlighting Amaechi’s political influence and past role in mobilising support during previous elections.
“A lot of people are underrating Amaechi. He played a key role in transferring power to Buhari. What the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, is doing now, though in an unruly manner, Amaechi executed effectively as governor of Rivers State. He mobilised more than anyone else for Buhari, even more than Tinubu. If Obi chooses not to run with Atiku, I believe the mantle might fall on Rotimi Amaechi,” Momodu had stated.
Responding through his media aide, David Iyofor, Amaechi categorically rejected any suggestion that he would accept a vice-presidential position.
“Amaechi is not seeking to be running mate to anybody. He does not intend to be a presidential running mate and will not,” Iyofor said.
He emphasised that Amaechi’s focus remains on the presidency and on the principle of rotating power to southern Nigeria.
“Amaechi is not aware of, and will not be part of, any talk to be a running mate. For emphasis, he is running to be president of Nigeria, not a deputy to anyone. Politicians are kindly advised to leave his name out of such discussions,” Iyofor added.
Amaechi, who previously sought the APC presidential ticket in 2023, joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) earlier this year. Since his defection, he has confirmed his intention to pursue the party’s presidential nomination for 2027, signalling a determined bid to reclaim political relevance at the national level.
Atiku, who is now a member of the ADC, is actively seeking a southern running mate for 2027.
Despite the speculation, Amaechi’s aides stress that the former governor’s focus is firmly on winning the presidential ticket of his party. “Amaechi’s eye is on the ADC presidential ticket. Politics is dynamic, and a lot may change ahead of the primary elections. Discussion about a running mate is not currently on the table,” one aide said on condition of anonymity.
Another close associate noted that while strategic alliances are a common feature of Nigerian politics, Amaechi’s primary objective remains securing the top position.
“We need to calculate well: can Amaechi beat Atiku in the primary? If not, a deal to become a running mate may be considered. But for now, his focus is purely presidential,” the aide said.
Neither Amaechi nor the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, were available for further comment when contacted.
