Get Guardian on GoogleFormer Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has revealed that trusting an alleged promise by late President Muhammadu Buhari cost him the opportunity to secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket in 2022.
Amaechi, who is now the African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, said Buhari had assured him that he would be announced as his preferred successor and advised him against campaigning or negotiating political deals ahead of the party’s presidential primary.
Speaking during an interview on Mainland 98.3FM’s The Situation Room programme in Lagos on Friday, Amaechi described his decision to rely on Buhari’s assurance as one of his biggest political mistakes.
According to him, the former president even put the alleged promise in writing, which he intends to make public when he publishes his memoir.
Amaechi explained that his confidence in Buhari’s backing prevented him from negotiating political positions with governors and influential party stakeholders who could have helped secure his victory.
He said he could have offered positions such as the vice-presidency and Secretary to the Government of the Federation to attract more support from governors.
The former minister also accused President Bola Tinubu’s camp of using religious sentiments to mobilise support during the APC presidential primary, particularly among delegates in the North-West.
However, Amaechi maintained that he would not use religious identity as a political strategy, warning against actions capable of deepening divisions in the country.
Tinubu eventually won the APC presidential primary in June 2022 with 1,271 votes, while Amaechi came second with 316 votes. Former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo finished third with 235 votes.
