By Obinna Uballa
Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has firmly rejected suggestions that he may serve as a running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or join any joint presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Amaechi, a former Rivers State governor, made it clear that he is seeking the presidency and will not accept a vice-presidential slot under any circumstance.
His position followed remarks by media entrepreneur and Atiku ally, Dele Momodu, who hinted that Atiku might consider Amaechi as a potential running mate should Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, decline a joint ticket.
Momodu, speaking with Sunday PUNCH, argued that many underestimate Amaechi’s political weight, recalling the role he played in helping the APC’s Muhammadu Buhari clinch victory in 2015. According to him, Amaechi “mobilised more than any other person for Buhari, even more than Tinubu.”
But responding through his media aide, David Iyofor, Amaechi dismissed such suggestions, stressing that his ambition is singular: to become President of Nigeria.
“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 stated.
He added that Amaechi believes the 2027 presidency should go to Southern Nigeria and is therefore pursuing the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“Amaechi is not aware of, and will not be part of, any talks 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,” he added.
Amaechi, who contested the APC presidential primary in 2023, defected to the ADC earlier this year and has since declared his intention to seek the party’s nomination for the 2027 race.
