Countering the statement, Amaechi, through his media aide, David Iyofor, ruled out any interest in becoming a running mate. He insisted that his principal is focused solely on contesting
Former Governor of Rivers State and ex-Minister of Transportation in the late President Mohammadu Buhari’s administration, Rotimi Amaechi, has dismissed claims that he may serve as a vice-presidential candidate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or join any joint ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.
The former Minister made the dismissal following a comment by Atiku’s ally and media entrepreneur, Dele Momodu. The Ovation publisher had suggested that Amaechi might emerge as a potential running mate if Peter Obi declines to run on a joint ticket under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Fielding questions in an interview with Sunday PUNCH, Momodu suggested that Amaechi could become Atiku’s running mate if Peter Obi turns down the offer, while highlighting Amaechi’s role in past elections.
He 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 mobilized 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.”
Countering the statement, Amaechi, through his media aide, David Iyofor, ruled out any interest in becoming a running mate. He insisted that his principal is focused solely on contesting for the presidency.
“Amaechi is not seeking to be a running mate to anybody. He does not intend to be a presidential running mate to anybody and will not,” Iyofor stated.
He stressed that there have been no discussions regarding Amaechi taking up a vice-presidential slot.
“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 stated.
Recall that the former Governor had previously stated that he was qualified to be the President of Nigeria, citing his political journey and record of service.
The former Minister made the statement while meeting with APC delegates, now his former party, in May 2022.