Amaechi speaks on being offered VP ticket

A former Minister of Transportation in the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, has reacted to reports that he has been offered the vice presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

He said this to a media entrepreneur, Chude Jideonwo, on: “#WithChude,” in his first interview after the ADC presidential primaries.

Speaking with Jideonwo a day after the primaries, which outcome he rejected, Amaechi said he still stands by his condemnation of the process but remains a member of the party.

In the exclusive interview, he addressed the growing  political speculation surrounding his future, his relationship with key political figures, and rumours about a possible vice presidential ticket.

“I stand by what I said about ‘concocted results’,” Amaechi said firmly, adding: “But I am still a member of ADC.

“No one has asked me to be VP.”

The explosive conversation, recorded at Amaechi’s Abuja residence as he marked his 61st birthday, had the former two-term governor of Rivers State speak frankly about the state of Nigerian politics, his views on Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, David Mark, Nyesom Wike, and former President Goodluck Jonathan.

He also opened up about his personal values, marriage, betrayal, friendship, with Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka.

He equally offered reasons why he considers Olusegun Obasanjo Nigeria’s greatest leader despite what he described as a “messiah complex”.

In one of the most startling revelations from the interview, Amaechi disclosed that he had actually quit former Buhari’s government before the end of the administration, admitting that the late president was “overwhelmed” by the weight of leadership.

He also defended his political record, insisting he is different from politicians driven only by personal gain.

“People say politicians lie, but I don’t lie,” he said, adding: “My record speaks for me.”