Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has firmly dismissed speculations that he intends to run as a vice-presidential candidate in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
Addressing the Rumors
There had been growing political chatter suggesting that Amaechi might serve as a running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, particularly under the banner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). However, speaking at an event in Abuja, Amaechi clarified his stance, insisting that he is vying for the top job, not a supporting role.
“Too Presidential” for VP
In a bold declaration, Amaechi stated that his experience and political stature make him unsuitable for the vice presidency.
He said:
“I will not be vice president to anybody. There are too many reasons why I won’t be vice president to anybody.
“The first reason is that I’m too presidential to be vice”
Structural Issues with the VP Office
Beyond personal ambition, Amaechi who is eyeing the ADC presidential ticket himself criticized the constitutional design of the Vice President’s office in Nigeria. He argued that the role is not merely ceremonial but structurally flawed, rendering the occupant powerless and entirely dependent on the President’s mood.
He noted:
“The problem with the office of vice president is not ceremonial, it is structural.
“We will quarrel, instead of that, I would rather be a minister than be a vice president”