I have no intention to be anyone’s running mate – Rotimi Amaechi

Former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi has ruled out the possibility of serving as a vice-presidential candidate with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or joining any joint presidential ticket for the 2027 elections.

Amaechi, through his media aide David Iyofor, reiterated that his ambition is solely 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 said.

The statement comes after Atiku’s ally and media entrepreneur Dele Momodu suggested that Amaechi could be considered as a running mate if the 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, decides not to partner with Atiku. 

Momodu had said, “A lot of people are underrating Amaechi. Amaechi single-handedly handed power to Buhari… If Obi does not make up his mind or chooses to run alone, then I believe the mantle might fall on Rotimi Amaechi.”

Amaechi’s camp emphasized that the former Rivers State governor is focused on pursuing the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and believes it is the turn of Southern Nigeria to produce the next president.

“Iyofor added, “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.”

Amaechi, who contested the All Progressives Congress presidential ticket in 2023, defected to the ADC earlier this year and has formally declared his intention to seek the party’s nomination for the 2027 election.