Rotimi Amaechi Rules Out Vice-Presidential Bid, Confirms 2027 Presidential Ambition
Former Minister of Transportation and former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has firmly ruled out any possibility of running as a vice-presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2027 elections. The politician clarified that he will not serve as a running mate to any presidential aspirant and is fully committed to contesting for the nation’s highest office.
Amaechi’s statement comes in response to speculation sparked by Dele Momodu, publisher of OvweP Magazine and a political ally of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. In a recent interview with Sunday PUNCH, Momodu suggested that Amaechi could potentially serve as Atiku’s running mate if Peter Obi declines the offer to join the ticket.
Momodu remarked, “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 political ambition is strictly focused on the presidency. “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, emphasizing the former minister’s clear stance.
Iyofor further highlighted Amaechi’s vision for the 2027 elections, noting that he believes the presidency should shift to Southern Nigeria. He confirmed that Amaechi is actively pursuing the nomination of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as his platform for the upcoming election.
“Amaechi is not aware of, and will not be part of, any discussion to be running mate to anybody. For emphasis, Amaechi is running to be President of Nigeria and not 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 previously contested in the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primaries in 2023, formally defected to the ADC earlier this year. Since his defection, he has publicly announced his intention to secure the party’s nomination and pursue the presidency in 2027, signaling a continued commitment to his political ambitions.
His firm rejection of the vice-presidential speculation underscores his determination to lead Nigeria and positions him as a key contender in the upcoming election. Political analysts note that Amaechi’s strategic move to the ADC may provide him with a platform to consolidate support from Southern Nigeria while challenging established political dynamics ahead of 2027.
