Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has dismissed reports linking him to a vice-presidential slot in the 2027 general election, stating clearly that he is only interested in running for president.
The clarification followed growing speculation that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar might choose him as a running mate on a joint ticket.
Through his media aide, David Iyofor, Amaechi described the rumours as false and urged politicians to stop associating his name with vice-presidential talks. Iyofor said Amaechi has no intention of serving as anyone’s deputy and is focused solely on becoming Nigeria’s next president.
According to him, Amaechi “is not seeking to be running mate to anybody” and is contesting to be president in 2027, not to serve in a subordinate role.
The speculation intensified after Dele Momodu, a close associate of Atiku Abubakar, named Amaechi as a strong option for the VP slot if Labour Party’s Peter Obi refuses a proposed alliance.
In an interview with Punch, Momodu praised Amaechi’s political experience, noting his major role in Buhari’s 2015 victory and his two terms as governor of Rivers State.
Amaechi’s camp also repeated his long-standing argument that power should return to the South in 2027 to promote fairness and national unity.
The former minister is already working within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where he hopes to secure the party’s presidential ticket.
This is not his first public declaration. In August, Amaechi vowed he would not step down for any aspirant during the ADC primaries, saying delegates and voters must choose the best candidate. In July, he said he would serve only one term if elected, to support power rotation and reduce political tension.
Amaechi’s current ambition follows his 2022 attempt at the APC presidential primary, where he finished second behind the eventual winner, Bola Tinubu, who is now Nigeria’s president.
Political analysts believe his switch from the APC to the smaller ADC shows his determination to pursue the presidency independently and on his own terms.
