Amaechi dismisses VP rumors, affirms bid for ADC presidential ticket

Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has dismissed claims that he entered the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential race as a potential vice-presidential candidate, insisting that he is fully focused on securing the party’s presidential ticket.

Amaechi clarified during an interview on Trust TV, amid growing speculation about possible consensus arrangements within the party ahead of its presidential primary scheduled for May 25, 2026.

He stressed that his decision to purchase the ADC nomination form was strictly to contest for the presidency, not to serve as a running mate to any candidate.

“I didn’t buy the ADC presidential ticket to become Vice President,” he said firmly, rejecting suggestions linking him to a joint ticket arrangement.

The former minister also insisted that any talk of consensus must be voluntary among aspirants, warning that imposing a candidate would undermine internal democracy within the party.

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“If you don’t agree, then primary,” he said, adding that a transparent process remains the fairest path forward.

Amaechi expressed confidence in his chances of clinching the ticket over other contenders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, arguing that while Atiku has repeatedly won party primaries in the past, he has struggled to translate those victories into presidential election wins.

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He also said his candidacy represents a fresh alternative since he has never previously contested a presidential election, positioning that experience gap as an advantage.

Despite his criticism of Atiku’s electoral record, Amaechi praised him alongside Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, saying both could perform better than President Bola Tinubu if elected.

Amaechi further criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of encouraging ethnic considerations in governance, while contrasting it with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, whom he described as a nationalist.

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On national issues, he reiterated support for zoning as a mechanism for inclusion, while warning that insecurity and regional marginalisation must be urgently addressed to preserve national unity.

Meanwhile, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Umar Sani, claimed that former President Goodluck Jonathan has already obtained nomination forms ahead of the 2027 presidential race, though Jonathan has not publicly confirmed the move.

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