Rotimi Amaechi has dismissed reports that he’s eyeing the vice-presidential slot, making clear he’s in the race for the African Democratic Congress presidential ticket ahead of 2027.

The former transport minister told Trust TV’s Daily Politics that buying the ADC nomination form was never about being a running mate. 

“I didn’t buy the ADC presidential ticket to become Vice President,” Amaechi said, pushing back on speculation about a possible ticket with Atiku Abubakar.

On party consensus, he said it only works if all aspirants agree after a proper meeting. If not, he argued, the ADC should hold a free and open primary.

Amaechi pitched himself as a younger, experienced alternative to the current political generation, pointing to his time as Rivers Speaker, governor, NGF chairman, and minister. He also criticized the Tinubu administration for tribalism and the economic hardship Nigerians are facing.

The ADC presidential primary is scheduled for May 25, 2026.