Former Minister Rotimi Amaechi Insists He Will Run for President, Not VP, in 2027
Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has firmly ruled out any possibility of running as vice president in the 2027 general election, reiterating that his sole political goal is to contest for the presidency.
The clarification follows speculation that the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, might consider Amaechi as a running mate on a joint ticket. Speaking through his media aide, David Iyofor, Amaechi dismissed such reports as unfounded.
“Amaechi is not seeking to be a running mate to anyone. He has no intention of becoming a presidential deputy,” Iyofor stated. “His focus is solely on contesting for the presidency of Nigeria in 2027.”
The rumours gained traction after Dele Momodu, a close ally of Atiku Abubakar and publisher of Ovation Magazine, suggested Amaechi could be considered for the vice-presidential slot if Labour Party’s Peter Obi declines an alliance.
Momodu lauded Amaechi’s political experience, including his pivotal role in President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2015 victory and his two-term tenure as Rivers State governor.
Amaechi has consistently argued that power should return to Southern Nigeria in 2027 to promote national equity and balance.
He is now actively pursuing the presidential ticket under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC) to chart his own course.
Earlier this year, Amaechi vowed during the ADC primaries that he would not step down for any other aspirant, insisting that delegates and Nigerians should decide the party’s flagbearer.
He also expressed willingness to serve a single term if elected, emphasizing that it would help institutionalize power rotation and reduce political tension.
Political analysts note that Amaechi’s move highlights his determination to pursue the nation’s highest office on his own terms, marking a significant chapter in his political journey since finishing second in the 2022 APC presidential primary.
