Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, has denied reports that he was offered the vice presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Amaechi contested the ADC presidential primary for the 2027 general elections alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, a former director of the defunct FSB International Bank.
In the primary held on May 26, 2026, Atiku secured 1,846,370 votes to win, while Amaechi came second with 504,117 votes. Hayatu-Deen polled 177,120 votes. Amaechi rejected the outcome, alleging irregularities and disenfranchisement. He claimed the results were “concocted” and did not reflect the party’s values.
Amaechi’s Clarification on VP Offer
Speaking in an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, Amaechi said he had consulted widely before issuing his statement rejecting the primary results. He also revealed that he met with ADC National Chairman David Mark, but the issue of a vice presidential slot was never discussed. “People said I stormed out after he told me to run for VP. But I am not joking; nobody has ever told me to be vice-president because they know my worth and what will be my reaction,” Amaechi stated.
Public Reactions to Amaechi’s Interview
The former minister’s remarks have sparked mixed reactions on social media. A user named Toochukwu of Divine Mercy suggested Amaechi was angling for the VP slot, writing: “Nobody has ever told you to be vice president, meaning you are itching for someone in Atiku's camp to make that offer. As for the ADC result being concocted, Amaechi is absolutely correct, but the caveat is that Amaechi and his people also concocted results where they are on the ground.”
Another commentator, Michael Ogwo, urged Amaechi to accept the VP position: “Oga take VP and boost your CV, nobody knows you for Nigerian politics to the stage of becoming a president. Una no go win still.” Chidi Ukaonu faulted Amaechi, stating: “I think everybody concocted, but some concocted better and 'won'.” Samuel Okonkwo criticized the former minister, comparing him to actor Kenneth Okonkwo: “Sometimes I mistake Amaechi for Kenneth Okonkwo. Both are supposed to be acting in Nollywood.”
Peter Obi on Kwankwaso and 2027
In related news, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi said Nigeria needs a manager and wealth creator like himself. Obi claimed that no presidential aspirant, including President Bola Tinubu and Rabiu Kwankwaso, can match his efforts in wealth creation. He was responding to Kwankwaso’s statement at Chatham House in London in 2023, where Kwankwaso said he had a PhD and was more qualified to be president.
