Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has firmly dismissed speculations that he may contest the 2027 general election as a vice presidential candidate on any joint ticket. The former Rivers State governor declared that his ambition is solely to become President of Nigeria.
Amaechi was reacting to recent comments by media entrepreneur and political ally of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Dele Momodu, who suggested that Amaechi could emerge as Atiku’s running mate should Peter Obi decline a joint presidential ticket.
Momodu had praised Amaechi’s past political influence, particularly his role in mobilising support for former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a key political force often underestimated.
Responding through his media aide, David Iyofor, Amaechi categorically ruled out any such possibility. Iyofor stated that Amaechi is not interested in being anyone’s running mate and is fully focused on his presidential ambition.
According to him, Amaechi believes that it is the turn of Southern Nigeria to produce the next president and is pursuing the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress. He added that Amaechi is neither aware of nor involved in any discussions regarding a vice presidential slot.
Iyofor further advised politicians and political commentators to refrain from linking Amaechi’s name with any vice presidential calculations. Amaechi, who contested the APC presidential ticket in 2023, defected to the ADC earlier this year and has since formally declared his intention to seek the party’s presidential nomination for the 2027 election.
