Amaechi rejects vice-presidential speculation, insists on ADC presidential ticket

Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has declared that he remains firmly in the race for the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Amaechi dismissed reports suggesting he could step down for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or accept a vice-presidential slot under any opposition arrangement.

Speaking during an interview on Tuesday, the former Minister of Transportation said there was no agreement within the party on a consensus candidate, stressing that all aspirants were preparing for the party’s primary election.

“There is nothing like consensus for now. The party leaders have not had any meeting on that. Everybody is preparing for the primary election,” Amaechi said.

He added: “Please stop that. I did not buy a form to be Vice President.”

Amaechi, Atiku and businessman Hayatudeen Muhammed are currently contesting for the ADC presidential ticket after the withdrawal of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso from the race.

The former Rivers governor argued that Nigeria’s economic and governance challenges require experienced but energetic leadership, citing his years in public office as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Minister of Transportation as evidence of his administrative competence.

On the issue of zoning, Amaechi said power rotation remained necessary to ensure national inclusion and stability, especially in addressing feelings of marginalisation in parts of the country.

“If they have to be in Nigeria, then they must have a sense of belonging,” he said while speaking on concerns from the Southeast.