Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has firmly dismissed suggestions that he could serve as a running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speculation had been rife in political circles that Amaechi might join forces with Atiku, who is widely tipped to secure the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). However, Amaechi put the rumours to rest while speaking at a recent public engagement in Abuja.

Addressing the matter directly, the former governor made it clear that accepting the role of vice president is not an option for him, citing both personal conviction and the limitations of the office under Nigeria’s political structure.

“I will not be vice president to anyone,” Amaechi said bluntly. “There are several reasons for that, but the most important is that I am too presidential to occupy a subordinate position.”

A former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Amaechi argued that the vice presidency in Nigeria is fundamentally constrained. According to him, the office lacks real authority and is largely shaped by the disposition of the president in power.

He explained that the arrangement often breeds tension, as vice presidents are expected to remain dependent and politically restrained. “Under this system, conflict is inevitable,” he noted. “Rather than deal with that, I would prefer serving as a minister than being vice president.”

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Amaechi, who is also reportedly interested in contesting for the ADC’s presidential ticket, maintained that his stance is rooted in experience and a clear understanding of how power functions within Nigeria’s executive arm.