Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has categorically ruled out any possibility of running as vice president in the 2027 general election, insisting that his only political goal is to contest for the presidency.
The clarification comes amid growing speculation that the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, might consider him as a running mate on a joint ticket.
No Interest in Being Anyone’s Deputy
Speaking through his media aide, David Iyofor, Amaechi described the reports as baseless and urged politicians to stop linking his name to vice-presidential discussions.
“Amaechi is not seeking to be running mate to anybody. He has no intention of becoming a presidential running mate to anyone,” Iyofor said in a strongly worded statement.
“He is running to be President of Nigeria in 2027, not to serveily serve as deputy to any candidate.”
How the Speculation Started
The rumour gained traction after Dele Momodu, a close ally of Atiku Abubakar and publisher of Ovation magazine, mentioned Amaechi as a strong contender for the vice-presidential slot if Labour Party’s Peter Obi declines an alliance.
In a recent interview with Punch, Momodu praised Amaechi’s political pedigree, highlighting his critical role in President Muhammadu Buhari’s victory in 2015 and his two-term tenure as Rivers State governor.
Southern Presidency Remains Amaechi’s Core Argument
Amaechi’s camp restated his long-held belief that power should return to Southern Nigeria in 2027 for the sake of equity and national balance.
The former minister has already pitched his tent with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where he is actively preparing to secure the party’s presidential ticket.
Earlier Declarations of Intent
This is not the first time Amaechi has publicly declared his presidential ambition on the ADC platform.
In August, he vowed never to step down for any other aspirant during the party’s primaries, insisting that the delegates and Nigerian people should decide the flagbearer.
In July, he expressed readiness to serve just one term if elected, arguing that a single-term presidency would entrench power rotation and reduce political tension in the country.
A Look Back at 2022 APC Primary
Amaechi’s latest move marks another chapter in his presidential journey. In 2022, he contested the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary and finished second behind the eventual winner, Bola Tinubu, who is now Nigeria’s president.
Political observers say Amaechi’s decision to leave the APC and join the lesser-known ADC underscores his determination to pursue the nation’s highest office on his own terms.