Buhari promised me APC presidential ticket in 2022 — Amaechi

Rotimi Amaechi, the vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, has alleged in an interview that his defeat in the 2022 All Progressives Congress presidential primary was due to his decision to follow the advice of late President Muhammadu Buhari not to campaign. Buhari had assured Amaechi in writing that he would announce him as his preferred candidate, which led to Amaechi refraining from lobbying delegates and forming political alliances ahead of the primary.

Amaechi, who was also a presidential aspirant during the same primary, attributed his loss to his adherence to Buhari's instructions and the fact that he did not engage in deal-making with governors and influential party members. He believes that had he secured the support of governors by offering them political positions like vice-president and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, he could have won the primary.

Additionally, Amaechi claims that Tinubu exploited religious sentiments to gain support from delegates, particularly in the North. He asserts that he would not use religion as a political tool, describing his approach as a reflection of his nationalist convictions.