By Peter Omopo
Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has dismissed reports suggesting he could emerge as a potential running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Amaechi made it clear that he is committed to pursuing his own presidential ambition and has no intention of accepting a vice-presidential slot.
The clarification followed remarks by media mogul and Atiku ally, Dele Momodu, who hinted that Atiku might consider Amaechi as a suitable running mate should Labour Party’s Peter Obi decline to join forces with him. Momodu described Amaechi as an influential political figure and credited him with playing a significant role in President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2015 electoral victory.
Reacting through his media aide, David Iyofor, Amaechi strongly dismissed any talks linking him to a vice-presidential ticket.
“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 believes it is the turn of Southern Nigeria to produce the next president, noting that the former Rivers State governor is actively seeking 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. Politicians are kindly advised to leave Amaechi’s name out of any discussion for presidential running mate,” Iyofor stressed.
This is not the first time Amaechi has publicly declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidency under the ADC. In August, he vowed not to step down for any aspirant during the party’s primary elections, insisting that the delegates should determine the party’s flagbearer. Earlier in July, he stated he was willing to serve a single term if elected, to promote power rotation and ensure political stability.
“If not for the coalition agreement, the answer to whether I’ll run would have been an outright yes. But what did we agree? Everyone should keep aside their ambition. Let’s first get the platform built before talking about the presidency,” he said at the time.
Amaechi previously contested the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary in 2022, finishing second behind the eventual winner, President Bola Tinubu.
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