Rotimi Amaechi, the former governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation, has rejected a request by former presidential candidate Peter Obi to abandon his 2027 campaign in favour of him.
It was gathered that the appeal was made during a meeting held over the weekend at the former governor home in Abuja.
Recall that Amaechi, Obi, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have all announced plans to run for president in 2027 under the David Mark led faction of ADC.
Meanwhile, Amaechi and Obi have stated time and again that they will not be running partners in 2027.
However, a source at the weekend meeting revealed that the former Labour Party presidential candidate, along with Senator Victor Umeh and former Imo State governor Achike Udenwa, urged Amaechi to back Obi’s bid to win the ADC presidential ticket.
Party Primaries
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled this year’s party primaries from April 23 to May 30, and the law requires parties to select candidates through consensus or direct primaries.
The source, however, said the former minister “politely rejected the request of the former presidential candidate.” Adding that his decision to contest the presidential election was serious and not mere grandstanding.
Meanwhile, Amaechi, Obi, Umeh, and Udenwa were seen chatting outside the former transport minister’s Abuja home in a social media video.
Obi Did Not Beg Amaechi To Step Down – Obi Media Office
However, strong allies Peter Obi have rejected claims that the former governor is trying to lobby.
a statement from the Obi Media Office, signed by Ibrahim Umar, rather claims that 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 comes following a recent escalation in political positioning for the party’s presidential ticket shortly after the Senator David Mark-led party’s national convention.
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