Former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi has firmly ruled out serving as a running mate to any presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections.
Speculation had been rife that Amaechi might deputize former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who appears poised to emerge as the flagbearer of the African Democratic Congress, ADC. Addressing the rumors at an event in Abuja, Amaechi made it clear that the idea of being vice president is not on his agenda.
“I will not be vice president to anybody. There are too many reasons why I won’t be vice president,” he said. “The first reason is that I’m too presidential to be vice.”
Amaechi, who is himself eyeing the presidential ticket of the ADC, explained that his objection is not about ceremony or protocol. He believes the office of the vice president in Nigeria is structurally subordinate, often powerless, and largely dependent on the temperament of the sitting president.
“We will quarrel. Instead of that, I would rather be a minister than be a vice president,” he added, underscoring his preference for a role where he can exercise real influence and authority.
With this declaration, Amaechi has positioned himself clearly as a serious presidential contender, signaling that he will only aim for the highest office rather than settling for a deputy role
