Rotimi Amaechi Alleges Buhari Promised Presidential Ticket in Writing

Former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi has publicly disclosed details regarding his failed bid for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket in 2022. According to a report by the African Examiner, Amaechi stated during an appearance on Mainland 98.3FM’s The Situation Room that his loss was largely due to his adherence to advice provided by then-President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Alleged Written Commitment

Amaechi claims that the former president had provided him with a written assurance that he would be named the preferred candidate for the party’s nomination. Based on this alleged promise, Amaechi asserts that Buhari explicitly instructed him to refrain from actively campaigning for the position. Amaechi described this reliance on the president’s word as his primary strategic error during the lead-up to the primary election.

Strategic Miscalculation

The former minister suggested that by following the directive to remain quiet, he effectively sidelined himself while other contenders were actively building support and campaigning. Amaechi’s comments highlight the internal dynamics of the APC during the 2022 primary season, a period characterized by intense competition and speculation regarding the president’s preferred successor.

Context of the APC Primary

The 2022 APC presidential primary was a significant political event that ultimately led to the nomination of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Amaechi, who served as a key cabinet member under the Buhari administration, was considered one of the prominent figures seeking the party’s endorsement. The assertion that a sitting president would offer a written guarantee to a specific aspirant is a notable claim that sheds light on the expectations held by some candidates during that cycle.

Unverified Claims and Political Fallout

It is important to note that the details provided by Amaechi regarding the existence of a written document have not been independently verified. The African Examiner report focuses on Amaechi’s account of the events, and there has been no public confirmation from the former president’s camp regarding the existence or content of such a document. The political implications of these revelations remain a subject of discussion within Nigerian political circles, as they challenge the narrative of a transparent and open primary process.

Conclusion

Rotimi Amaechi’s recent statements provide a personal perspective on the complexities of the 2022 APC presidential primary. By attributing his loss to a specific directive from the former president, he has brought renewed attention to the behind-the-scenes negotiations that preceded the party’s final decision. As of now, the claims remain one-sided, with no official response or corroborating evidence provided to substantiate the existence of the alleged written promise.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: African Examiner

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