I’m Too Presidential To Play Second Fiddle” — Amaechi Declares He Won’t Be Anyone’s Vice

Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has dismissed speculation that he could serve as a running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the 2027 general elections.

There had been widespread reports suggesting that Amaechi might deputise Atiku, who is expected to emerge as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

However, speaking at a recent event in Abuja, Amaechi directly addressed the rumours, making it clear that his decision was based on both his political standing and dissatisfaction with the constitutional structure of the vice presidency.

The former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly argued that his experience and political stature make it impractical for him to accept a subordinate role.

“I will not be vice president to anyone. There are many reasons for that, but the first is that I am too presidential to be a vice,” Amaechi said.

Amaechi, who is also pursuing the ADC presidential ticket, noted that the shortcomings of the vice presidency are not ceremonial but structural in nature.

The immediate past Minister of Transportation explained that in Nigeria, the office of the vice president is constitutionally designed to be subordinate, often lacking real authority and largely dependent on the disposition of the president.

“We would end up quarrelling. Rather than that, I would prefer to be a minister than serve as vice president,” he added.