Our Correspondent | Politics
Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has firmly dismissed growing speculation that he is being considered for a vice-presidential slot ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring unequivocally that he will only contest as a presidential candidate.
Amaechi’s position follows comments by media entrepreneur and long-time Atiku ally, Dele Momodu, who suggested in an interview with Sunday PUNCH that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar might consider pairing with Amaechi should Peter Obi decline to join a joint ticket.
Momodu argued that many Nigerians were “underrating” Amaechi, recalling his extensive political mobilisation in support of Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.
“Amaechi single-handedly handed power to Buhari,” Momodu said. “If Obi does not make up his mind or chooses to run alone, then I believe the mantle might fall on Rotimi Amaechi.”
But Amaechi wasted no time distancing himself from the speculation. Responding through his media aide, David Iyofor, the former Rivers State governor said he had no interest in serving as anyone’s running mate, stressing that his ambition is strictly presidential.
“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 remains committed to the argument that Southern Nigeria should produce the next president, and is fully focused on pursuing the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“For emphasis, Amaechi is running to be President of Nigeria and not to be a running mate to anybody,” Iyofor reiterated, urging politicians to “leave Amaechi’s name out of any discussion for presidential running mate.”
Amaechi, who contested the All Progressives Congress presidential primary in 2023, defected to the ADC earlier this year and has since positioned himself as one of the leading aspirants within the party as political alignments ahead of 2027 continue to shift.
With Atiku, Obi, Wike, and other power blocs still calibrating their next moves, Amaechi’s declaration signals a renewed wave of political manoeuvring that is likely to reshape alliances in the months ahead.