Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has reportedly declined Peter Obi‘s appeal to step down for him ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Sources who spoke with Leadership disclosed that the appeal was made during a meeting held over the weekend at Amaechi’s residence in Abuja.
Obi was said to have been accompanied by former Imo State Governor, Achike Udenwa and Senator Victor Umeh.
Amaechi, Obi and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar have all indicated interest in contesting the 2027 presidency under the platform of the African Democratic Congress, led by Senator David Mark.
The development comes as the Independent National Electoral Commission fixed party primaries between April 23 and May 30, with parties mandated to adopt direct primaries or consensus arrangements.
A source at the meeting said Amaechi turned down Obi’s request, stressing that his presidential ambition was firm.
The source noted that the former minister “politely rejected the request of the former presidential candidate,” adding that his decision to run was not mere grandstanding.
An ally of Amaechi and chieftain of the ADC, Eze Eze, confirmed that the former governor would not withdraw from the race.
He said, “Amaechi believes that if he loses the primaries, he would support whoever wins and would expect the same support from other contenders if he wins.
“As of now, Amaechi is not stepping down for anybody.”