Amaechi Denies VP Speculation, Reaffirms 2027 Presidential Ambition
Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has dismissed claims suggesting he is being considered as a potential running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the buildup to the 2027 general elections.
Amaechi said he is focused solely on pursuing his presidential ambition and has no interest in serving as vice president to any candidate.
His position follows remarks by journalist and Atiku ally, Dele Momodu, who hinted that Atiku might consider Amaechi as an alternative running mate should Peter Obi decline a proposed alliance. Momodu had described Amaechi as a major political force whose support was instrumental in President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2015 victory.
In a statement issued by his media aide, David Iyofor, Amaechi rejected any suggestion of political negotiations positioning him as a vice-presidential candidate. Iyofor said the former governor remains committed to the belief that the next president should emerge from Southern Nigeria and is seeking the ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) toward that goal.
“Amaechi is not seeking to be running mate to anybody. He does not intend to be a presidential running mate to anybody and will not,” Iyofor said.
He added that Amaechi is unaware of any talks involving him in such capacity and urged politicians to exclude his name from discussions regarding vice-presidential arrangements.
Amaechi has previously declared his intention to contest the ADC presidential ticket, stating in August that he would not withdraw for any aspirant in the party’s primary and insisting that delegates should determine the flagbearer. In July, he also indicated willingness to serve a single term if elected, arguing that power rotation would enhance stability.
The former minister sought the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket in 2022, finishing second behind President Bola Tinubu, who eventually won the election.
