Buhari promised me APC Presidential ticket, put it in writing, but failed to honour it – Amaechi
AI Executive Briefing
Gemini Flash AI~45s readFormer Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi has publicly alleged that former President Muhammadu Buhari reneged on a written promise to endorse him for the 2022 APC presidential ticket. Amaechi attributes his loss in the primary to his decision to follow Buhari's directive to avoid campaigning.
Context & Background
- ✦The 2022 APC presidential primary was characterized by intense speculation regarding Buhari's preferred successor, leading to a crowded field of 14 aspirants.
- ✦Amaechi's claims highlight ongoing tensions regarding internal party dynamics and the influence of religious and regional identity politics in Nigerian electoral processes.
Key Figures & Named Entities
Rotimi Amaechi:Former Transportation Minister and APC presidential aspirant who finished second in the 2022 primary.Muhammadu Buhari:Former President of Nigeria who allegedly promised Amaechi a written endorsement.Bola Tinubu:Current President of Nigeria who won the 2022 APC primary with 1,271 votes.
Outlook & Next Steps
Amaechi has indicated that he intends to disclose the alleged written document from Buhari in a future book, though no specific publication date was provided.
Key Takeaways
AI Summary- Rotimi Amaechi alleges that former President Muhammadu Buhari provided a written commitment to endorse him for the 2022 APC presidential ticket.
- Amaechi claims he refrained from active campaigning based on Buhari's advice, which he now identifies as his primary strategic error in the contest.
- The former minister accused Bola Tinubu of leveraging religious identity and regional mobilization to secure support from northern governors during the primary.
Key Facts:June 2022: The APC presidential primary took place in Abuja, where Bola Tinubu secured 1,271 votes, Rotimi Amaechi received 316 votes, and Yemi Osinbajo polled 235 votes.May 2023: Bola Tinubu won the presidential election and officially succeeded Muhammadu Buhari as President of Nigeria.
Editorial Excerpt
"The first mistake that I made at that primary was that I listened to President Buhari.He said to me, 'Don't campaign. Don't do anything. I will announce you as my candidate.'"
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
What evidence does Rotimi Amaechi claim to have regarding Buhari's endorsement?
Amaechi claims that former President Buhari put the promise of endorsement in writing, though he has not yet made the document public.
What specific allegations did Amaechi make regarding the campaign tactics of Bola Tinubu?
Amaechi alleged that Tinubu benefited from religious mobilization, specifically claiming that a delegation of Yoruba Muslims urged northern governors to support Tinubu based on their shared faith.
