Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has played down talks that he might consider running as a vice-presidential candidate with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar under the platform of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.
Amaechi who declared that he is running for the presidency and will not be a running mate to anybody also dismissed reports that he could be part of any joint presidential ticket in the 2027 elections.
His statement comes after Atiku’s political ally, Dele Momodu, suggested that the former vice president might consider Amaechi should the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, declines to run with Atiku.
Momodu, in the interview, said, “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.”
In a swift response through his media aide, David Iyofor, Amaechi insisted that his ambition is solely to become the President of the country and not Vice President.
”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.
”Politicians are kindly advised to leave Amaechi’s name out of any discussion for presidential running mate,” Iyofor added.
According to Iyofor, Amaechi’s ambition is anchored on the country’s presidency rotational quota which gives Southern Nigeria the chance to produce the next president.
Amaechi, who contested the All Progressives Congress presidential ticket in 2023, defected to the ADC earlier this year and has since declared his intention to seek the party’s nomination for the 2027 election in what is expected to heavyweights-studded primary.
Source: Vanguard News
Follow the Parallel Facts channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCQSAoHgZWiDjR3Kn2E
