Dare Babalola
Former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi has rejected speculation he might run as vice president alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or join any shared presidential ticket in 2027.
He formally announced his candidacy for the presidency, emphasising that he will not accept a position as a running mate to any other candidate.
This statement follows comments by Dele Momodu, a political ally of Atiku Abubakar and media entrepreneur, who suggested Atiku could consider Amaechi (former Rivers State governor) as a running mate if Peter Obi (2023 presidential candidate) declines to join him in 2027.
Momodu, in an interview on Sunday said, “A lot of people are underrating Amaechi. Amaechi single-handedly handed power to Buhari. What the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, is doing now, though in an unruly manner, Amaechi did quite well when he was governor of Rivers State. Amaechi mobilised more than any other person for Buhari, even more than Tinubu. If Obi does not make up his mind or chooses to run alone, then I believe the mantle might fall on Rotimi Amaechi.”
However, the former Rivers Governor, who spoke through his media aide, David Iyofor, insisted that his ambition is solely to become the President of the country and not Vice President, distancing himself from any alliance aimed at making him a running mate.
”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 further stated Amaechi firmly believes Southern Nigeria’s time for the presidency is now – that’s why he’s gunning for the ADC presidential ticket.
”Amaechi is not aware of, and will not be part of any talk to be running mate to anybody. For emphasis, Amaechi is running to be President of Nigeria and not to be a running mate to anybody.
”Politicians are kindly advised to leave Amaechi’s name out of any discussion for presidential running mate,” Iyofor added.
Amaechi, who contested the All Progressives Congress presidential ticket in 2023, defected to the ADC earlier this year and has since declared his intention to seek the party’s nomination for the 2027 election.
