Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has firmly ruled out accepting a vice-presidential slot in the 2027 elections, declaring that he is solely pursuing the nation’s top job and will not serve as a running mate to any presidential candidate.
Amaechi’s position follows speculations linking him to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, after Atiku’s ally and media entrepreneur, Dele Momodu, suggested that the former Rivers State governor could be considered if Labour Party’s Peter Obi declines to enter a joint ticket with Atiku.
Momodu, speaking in an interview, argued that many underestimated Amaechi’s political influence, noting that he played a significant role in the coalition that brought former President Muhammadu Buhari to power in 2015.
According to him, Amaechi “mobilised more than any other person” for Buhari, and could become Atiku’s alternative if Obi opts to run independently. Momodu added that if negotiations between Atiku and Obi stall, “the mantle might fall on Rotimi Amaechi.”
However, Amaechi has distanced himself from any such arrangement. Responding through his media aide, David Iyofor, the former APC presidential aspirant stressed that he has no intention of accepting the position of Vice President under any political alliance.
Iyofor stated that Amaechi has made a clear decision to contest the presidency and is not considering any role other than that of President of Nigeria in the 2027 polls.
He said politicians should desist from mentioning Amaechi’s name in discussions regarding potential vice-presidential nominees or coalition arrangements aimed at pairing him with any candidate.
Iyofor added that Amaechi believes the presidency should rotate to Southern Nigeria in 2027, and his ambition aligns with that principle. He is currently seeking the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which he joined earlier in the year after leaving the All Progressives Congress.
Amaechi, who served two terms as governor of Rivers State and later as Minister of Transportation, previously contested the APC presidential primary in 2023 but lost to then-candidate Bola Tinubu. He parted ways with the ruling party months later, citing ideological differences and concerns about internal democracy.
Since joining the ADC, Amaechi has embarked on consultations across geopolitical zones and has held a series of meetings with stakeholders, political groups, and youth networks within the party. His campaign team has insisted that the party is prepared to field a competitive candidate for the 2027 polls, positioning Amaechi as its strongest prospect
Amaechi’s entry into the ADC reshaped early permutations within the opposition space, especially as Atiku and Obi remain central figures in ongoing discussions about potential alliances. Both men have been urged by various groups to unite ahead of 2027, though their camps have yet to reach a public agreement.
Amaechi’s categorical rejection of any vice-presidential offer is expected to influence these dynamics, particularly within the southern bloc of the opposition where zoning sentiments remain strong.
Despite the speculations, Iyofor insisted that the former minister’s focus is fixed on securing his party’s presidential ticket and presenting himself to Nigerians as a credible alternative for national leadership.
He stressed that Amaechi would not entertain any suggestion that undermines his ambition or implies he is negotiating for a secondary role. “For emphasis, Amaechi is running to be President of Nigeria and not to be a running mate to anybody,” Iyofor said.
