Sources who are privileged to know suggest that just as former governor of Nasarawa State, Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu emerged as consensus Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday in Abuja, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Nigeria’s current Minister of Transportation, may have been tipped by President Buhari to replace him as the APC standard bearer for the presidential run in 2023.
“The President will not raise an objection if Amaechi desires to contest. In the interim, the calculation is he will run alongside (Governor) El-Rufai.
“Also, I can confirm that security around the minister has been doubled. This could not have happened without Mr President’s clearance”, a source volunteered.
Apart from additional protective operatives keeping watch, Amaechi currently moves about in a recently purchased bulletproof Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).
During an interview in January, President Buhari had declined to reveal his preferred successor, stating: “I would not (mention) because he may be eliminated if I do. I better keep that a secret”, Buhari said.
Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, who is yet to formally declare interest in the presidential race, has been in the Nigerian political firmament since 1999, serving as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2007, Governor of Rivers State from 2007 tio 2015, within which period he had a brief stint as Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum. Amaechi was later to function as Minister under the Buhari administration, from 2015 to date.
Supporters of Minister Amaechi, under the aegis of the Unity House Foundation and the Rotimi Amaechi Transformation Agenda of Nigeria, RATAN, have been drumming up nationwide support for this dark house, Rotimi Amaechi.
Some APC chieftains, such as ex-Lagos Governor Bola Tinubu, ex-Abia Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi have declared interest in the presidential contest. signified their interest to vie for the presidential ticket.
Others, such as Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Ekiti Governor are rumoured to be in the race, even as they are yet to publicly declare.
