Former Rivers State governor and Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has turned down an appeal by former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to shelve his 2027 ambition in his favour.
It was learnt that the appeal was made at a meeting in Abuja over the weekend at the residence of the former Rivers State governor.
Amaechi, Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have all declared their intention to contest the 2027 presidential election under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by Senator David Mark.
Obi and Amaechi have repeatedly said they would not serve as running mates in 2027.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed party primaries between April 23 and May 30 this year. Parties are mandated by law to select candidates through direct primaries or consensus arrangements.
However, a source at the weekend meeting disclosed that the former Labour Party presidential candidate, accompanied by a former governor of Imo State, Achike Udenwa, and Senator Victor Umeh, appealed to Amaechi to support Obi’s ambition to clinch the ADC presidential ticket.
The source, however, said the former minister “politely rejected the request of the former presidential candidate”, noting that his decision to contest the presidential election was serious and not mere grandstanding.
A social media video emerged showing Amaechi, Obi, Umeh and Udenwa exchanging pleasantries outside the Abuja residence of the former transportation minister.
Attempts to get reactions from Obi, Udenwa and Umeh were unsuccessful as of press time. They did not respond to text messages sent to them, nor did they return a series of phone calls.
Similarly, Amaechi did not respond to calls and SMS messages. One of his aides, who pleaded anonymity, said he was not aware of the meeting.
A staunch ally of Amaechi and ADC chieftain, Chief Eze Eze, confirmed to LEADERSHIP that the former transportation minister would not be stepping down for anybody.
He said: “Amaechi believes that if he loses the primaries, he would support whoever wins and would expect the same support from other contenders if he wins.
“I am not aware of such a meeting. Even if such a meeting was held, it has nothing to do with Amaechi’s aspiration to govern this nation.
“The only thing I know is that Amaechi is of the opinion that if he loses the ADC presidential ticket, he will support and even direct the campaign organisation of such a winner.
“In other words, if he wins, he expects the losers to also support him accordingly. As of now, Amaechi is not stepping down for anybody,” he added.
Also, Obi’s media aide, Dr Valentine Obienyem, said he was not aware of the visit but promised to find out from his principal and respond to the report. He had yet to revert as of press time.
Obi Did Not Beg Amaechi To Step Down – Obi Media Office
However, a statement from the Obi Media Office, signed by Ibrahim Umar, said the visit was part of continued consultations by the Obi team with key stakeholders in the party.
“Typical of Obi, he accords due respect to everyone, Amaechi inclusive. The visit was intended to achieve cooperation within the party.
“At no time during the interaction did Obi beg Amaechi to step down for him. Obi informed Amaechi that he was running for the ADC ticket and asked for his support. Amaechi also told Obi that he was in the race for the party’s ticket. They agreed to work together in the interest of the party and the nation,” Umar said.
The moves follow a recent escalation in political positioning for the party’s presidential ticket shortly after the Senator David Mark-led party’s national convention.
Amaechi and Obi are from southern Nigeria. Amaechi is from the South-South, while Obi is from the South-East.
Credit: Leadership