Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has put to rest growing speculation that he could serve as a running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the 2027 general elections.
In recent weeks, political observers had suggested that Amaechi might be considered as a vice-presidential candidate should Atiku Abubakar secure the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). However, speaking at a public event in Abuja, Amaechi directly addressed the rumors and made his position unmistakably clear.
The former governor dismissed the possibility outright, stating that his decision was rooted in both personal conviction and long-standing concerns about Nigeria’s political structure. Drawing from his extensive political career, Amaechi argued that accepting a subordinate role would not align with his experience, capacity, or aspirations.
Amaechi, who previously served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and later as Minister of Transportation, maintained that his political profile places him firmly in the category of presidential leadership rather than a supporting role. According to him, the vice presidency in Nigeria is not merely limited in influence but is fundamentally constrained by the system itself.
“I will not be vice president to anybody,” Amaechi declared. “There are many reasons for this, but the most important is that I am too presidential to be vice president.”
He went further to explain that the challenge with the office of the vice president goes beyond ceremonial limitations. In his view, the position is structurally weakened by the constitution, leaving its occupant largely dependent on the disposition and generosity of the president in power.
Amaechi noted that, in practice, vice presidents in Nigeria often lack clearly defined authority, making the role unpredictable and, at times, ineffective. He described the office as one that functions at the mercy of the president, rather than as an independent arm of leadership with guaranteed responsibilities.
The former minister also hinted at his own presidential ambitions, revealing that he is exploring the possibility of contesting for the ADC’s presidential ticket. This, he suggested, further reinforces why he would not consider a vice-presidential role under any circumstance.
Amaechi’s comments have added a new dimension to discussions around opposition alignments ahead of 2027, signaling that any future political calculations involving him will likely be centered on the presidency rather than a secondary position.
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