Former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi has attributed his loss in the 2022 All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary to his decision to follow the advice of late former President Muhammadu Buhari. According to Amaechi, Buhari had assured him in writing that he would announce him as his preferred candidate, prompting him to refrain from lobbying delegates and negotiating political alliances ahead of the primary. This decision, Amaechi now believes, worked against his ambition.
Amaechi disclosed that he considered Buhari's position credible because the former president was his boss and he believed his endorsement would give him an advantage over other aspirants. However, Amaechi's decision not to negotiate political positions with governors and other influential party members allowed Tinubu to build alliances ahead of the primary. Amaechi noted that he could have secured the support of governors by promising them political appointments, including the positions of vice-president and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
The former Minister of Transportation accused Tinubu of exploiting religious sentiments to secure support from delegates, particularly in the North. He alleged that a delegation of Southern Yoruba Muslims had approached governors in the North-West and appealed to them to support Tinubu on religious grounds. Amaechi cited the position of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, whom he said had supported his presidential ambition before eventually backing Tinubu.
Amaechi emphasized that he would not deploy religion as a political tool to win elections, describing his position as a reflection of his nationalist convictions. He argued that appealing to religious identity for political support could deepen divisions in the country. Amaechi questioned the perception of Tinubu as an exceptionally strategic politician, asking why he had not become president earlier if his political success was based on an extraordinary ability to manoeuvre.
Tinubu defeated Amaechi and other aspirants at the APC presidential primary held at Eagle Square, Abuja, polling 1,271 votes against Amaechi's 316. The contest paved the way for Tinubu to emerge as the APC candidate in the 2023 presidential election, which he won. Amaechi, who served as Minister of Transportation under Buhari, had previously been a close political ally of the former president and directed his successful 2015 presidential campaign.
Amaechi is now the running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ticket for the 2027 presidential election. He reflected on his 2022 APC presidential primary experience during an interview on Mainland 98.3FM's The Situation Room programme in Lagos. Amaechi's account provides insight into the internal dynamics of the APC and the factors that influenced the outcome of the primary.
The development highlights the complexities of Nigerian politics, where alliances, endorsements, and religious sentiments can significantly impact electoral outcomes. As Amaechi and Atiku prepare for the 2027 presidential election, their campaign strategy and ability to build broad alliances will be crucial in securing victory. The ADC ticket presents a new challenge to the APC and other parties vying for power in Nigeria.
Key points
- Amaechi cites missed alliances and religious sentiments for his 2022 APC presidential primary defeat to Bola Tinubu.
