Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has officially dismissed speculation linking him as a potential running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the 2027 presidential election.
Amaechi, through his media aide David Iyofor, made it clear that he has no interest in the vice-presidential slot and intends to pursue the presidency under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“I can confirm that Amaechi is not seeking to be a running mate to anybody.
He does not intend to be a vice-presidential candidate and will not entertain any such discussion.
His focus is to run for President of Nigeria,” Iyofor said.
The statement comes after comments from Atiku ally Dele Momodu, who had suggested that Amaechi might be considered as a potential deputy if negotiations with other aspirants failed.
Amaechi’s camp has now firmly distanced itself from such discussions.
Amaechi’s position aligns with his previous declarations within the ADC.
In August 2025, he emphasized that delegates, not political negotiations, should decide the party’s standard-bearer during the presidential primaries.
He also previously stated that he would be willing to serve as a one-term president if elected, highlighting his belief in political stability and rotational power over personal ambition.
Amaechi’s renewed presidential ambition comes after his 2022 APC primary run, where he finished second behind current President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
His move to the ADC has reignited debates about the opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, especially regarding Southern Nigeria’s turn at the presidency.
The ADC has reiterated that its key leaders — including Atiku, Peter Obi, and Amaechi — remain united despite individual ambitions.
The party insists that personal goals will not fracture the coalition before the 2027 polls.
With the opposition landscape still taking shape, Amaechi’s firm stance signals that he intends to contest independently, challenging both the ruling APC and other contenders for the presidency.