Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has firmly dismissed speculations linking him to a possible vice-presidential slot ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that he will not accept a subordinate role on any joint ticket.
Amaechi made the clarification amid rising political talk suggesting he could emerge as a running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or align with an opposition coalition being quietly assembled ahead of the next election cycle. He described such reports as misleading and stressed that any political decision he takes would be driven by conviction, not desperation for office.
According to him, Nigeria’s current challenges require purposeful leadership at the very top, noting that he has no intention of contesting merely to occupy a secondary position. He maintained that if he chooses to return to active electoral politics, it would be in pursuit of a leadership role he believes can make a meaningful impact.
Amaechi, a former Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, was a key aspirant in the 2023 APC presidential primaries, where he lost to President Bola Tinubu. Since leaving office in May 2023, he has kept a relatively low public profile, though his recent remarks suggest he remains politically engaged as conversations about 2027 intensify.
The former minister also distanced himself from claims of ongoing negotiations with Atiku or any other political heavyweight, insisting that no such arrangements exist. His position has been interpreted by observers as an attempt to shut down early politicking and reassert his standing as a principal political actor rather than a running mate.
Amaechi has not formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidency nor announced any party platform. However, his comments add to the growing political signals that major realignments, alliances and fresh ambitions may shape the run-up to the next general election.