Amaechi Dismisses ADC VP Rumors, Reaffirms 2027 Presidential Ambition

Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Transportation, has made it clear that he has no interest in being a vice-presidential candidate in the 2027 general election.

His response comes after recent comments by Dele Momodu, a media figure and ally of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who suggested that Amaechi could be considered as Atiku’s running mate if Peter Obi declines the offer.

Momodu had 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.”

In response, Amaechi’s media aide, David Iyofor, issued a statement on his behalf, saying the former Rivers State governor is focused solely on running for president and has no plans to be anyone’s deputy.

“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. 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 said.

Amaechi, who previously vied for the presidential ticket under the All Progressives Congress in 2023, left the party earlier this year and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He has since declared his intention to contest for the presidency under the ADC platform in the 2027 elections, emphasizing his belief that it is time for the South to produce Nigeria’s next leader.