Former Minister of Transportation and African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, has revealed that he lost the 2022 All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary due to his reliance on a promise from late President Muhammadu Buhari. According to Amaechi, Buhari personally assured him that he would emerge as the party's presidential candidate and advised him not to campaign. Amaechi claimed that the assurance was also communicated to him in writing.
Amaechi, who was the former Rivers State governor, said he trusted Buhari's promise because of their political relationship and his position as a member of the former president's cabinet. Consequently, he refrained from building political alliances and lobbying governors and other influential party stakeholders whose support could have strengthened his chances. He made the disclosure during an interview on Mainland 98.3FM's The Situation Room programme in Lagos.
Amaechi described his decision to heed Buhari's advice as the first major mistake he made during the contest. He said Buhari told him, "Don't campaign. Don't do anything. I will announce you as my candidate." Amaechi added that he would reveal more details about their conversation when he writes his book. The former minister explained that he believed Buhari's assurance would give him the necessary advantage over other presidential aspirants.
Amaechi also acknowledged that his failure to negotiate political agreements with governors and other influential party members contributed to his defeat. He said he could have secured the support of several governors by making commitments on key political appointments, including the offices of Vice-President and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). According to him, political negotiations and alliances are important elements of contests for presidential tickets.
The ADC chieftain accused Tinubu's supporters of using religious sentiments to mobilise delegates, particularly in the North-West. He claimed that a delegation of Southern Yoruba Muslims approached governors in the region and appealed to them to support Tinubu on religious grounds. Amaechi also referred to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, whom he said had initially supported his presidential ambition before eventually backing Tinubu.
Tinubu defeated Amaechi and other aspirants at the APC presidential primary held in June 2022, polling 1,271 votes against Amaechi's 316. Amaechi questioned the perception of Tinubu as an exceptionally skilful political strategist, asking why he had not become president earlier if his political success was based on an extraordinary ability to manoeuvre political situations.
Amaechi insisted that he would not use religion as a political mobilisation tool, even if doing so could improve his chances of winning an election. Describing himself as a nationalist, he warned that religious mobilisation could deepen divisions and create tension in a country with substantial Christian and Muslim populations.
Key points
- Amaechi attributes his defeat to relying on Buhari's promise not to campaign.
- Amaechi failed to negotiate with governors and party members.
- Tinubu won the APC presidential ticket with 1,271 votes.
