Amaechi rules out vice-presidential bid, says he’s contesting for president in 2027
Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Transportation, has rejected claims that he may run as a vice-presidential candidate alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or join any joint presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.
Amaechi made it clear that he is seeking the presidency and will not serve as a running mate to anyone.
His position follows remarks by Dele Momodu—publisher and political ally of Atiku—who suggested in an interview with Sunday PUNCH that Atiku might consider Amaechi as a running mate if Peter Obi declines to run with him.
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.”
Responding through his media aide, David Iyofor, Amaechi reiterated that his ambition is strictly to become Nigeria’s next president—not a 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,” Iyofor said.
He added that Amaechi believes the 2027 presidency should go to Southern Nigeria and that he is pursuing the ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“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 was a contender in the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries in 2023, defected to the ADC earlier this year and has since announced his intention to seek the party’s nomination for the 2027 election.
