Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has dismissed reports suggesting that he was offered the vice-presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following the party’s presidential primary ahead of the 2027 elections.
Amaechi made the clarification during an interview with broadcaster Chude Jideonwo, amid controversy trailing the outcome of the ADC primary held earlier in the week.
The former governor was among the aspirants who contested the party’s presidential ticket, alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.
At the end of the exercise, Atiku Abubakar emerged winner with 1,846,370 votes, while Amaechi came second with 504,117 votes. Hayatu-Deen polled 177,120 votes.
Following the result, Amaechi rejected the outcome, alleging irregularities and claims of voter disenfranchisement, insisting that the process fell short of the party’s democratic standards. He also questioned the authenticity of the announced figures, describing them as manipulated.
He further stated that his rejection of the outcome was not a solo decision, noting that consultations were held before the statement was released.
According to him, the final position was jointly agreed upon by himself and Hayatu-Deen after reviewing the conduct of the primary.
Amaechi also addressed reports that he walked out of a meeting with the ADC leadership after allegedly being asked to accept a vice-presidential slot, describing the claim as false.
He explained that his visit to the party’s National Chairman, David Mark, was cordial, adding that their discussion ended on a peaceful note.
“There was no such conversation about me becoming vice president. After our discussion, he walked me to the door, I shook his hand and left,” he said.
Amaechi added that the narrative suggesting he rejected a VP offer at the meeting was fabricated, stressing that his political standing would not place him in such a situation.