Amaechi says Buhari’s promise and advice led to his loss in the 2022 APC primary

Rotimi Amaechi, a former Rivers State governor and transportation minister, stated that counsel from ex-President Muhammadu Buhari was the reason he lost the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary held in June 2022. The current vice-presidential nominee for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) detailed this incident while speaking on Mainland 98.This took place during a Friday broadcast of The Situation Room on 3FM in Lagos.

Amaechi reported that Buhari sent him a letter guaranteeing his selection as the party's presidential candidate and specifically told him to refrain from campaigning or lobbying delegates before the primary. Amaechi said he trusted the former president’s assurance, believing it would secure the party’s ticket without the need for the usual political negotiations.

He explained that by following Buhari’s directive, he refrained from offering political appointments – such as the vice‑presidency or the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) – to governors and other influential party members. Amaechi argued that this lack of bargaining weakened his support base and allowed Bola Tinubu to build alliances that ultimately delivered him the nomination.

Background

The 2022 APC primary was a tightly contested race that saw several high‑profile aspirants vie for the party’s presidential ticket. Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State and former Minister of Transportation, entered the contest with the expectation of Buhari’s backing. In multiple reports – including those from Leadership, Daily Trust, Tribune and Punch – Amaechi recounted that Buhari promised to endorse him in writing and warned him against campaigning. He said the promise was recorded in a letter, which he intends to publish in a future book.

Buhari, who left office in 2023, had previously worked closely with Amaechi, a relationship Amaechi described as “boss‑subordinate”. The former president’s alleged endorsement was presented by Amaechi as a decisive factor that should have given him an advantage over other contenders.

Why it matters

Amaechi’s revelations touch on the internal dynamics of Nigeria’s dominant party and raise questions about the influence of former presidents on candidate selection. If Buhari’s written promise existed, it suggests a level of personal intervention that could affect perceptions of fairness within the APC. The account also highlights the role of political patronage – offering vice‑presidential or SGF posts – in securing delegate support, a practice common in Nigerian party politics.

The disclosure is significant for several stakeholders. For the ADC, Amaechi’s narrative may bolster its profile by portraying its vice‑presidential candidate as a victim of elite manipulation. For the APC, the story could prompt internal reviews of candidate endorsement processes, especially given the party’s continued dominance in national elections. Voters and political analysts may also reassess the weight of former presidents’ endorsements in future contests.

What happens next

Amaechi indicated that he will include the written correspondence from Buhari in a forthcoming memoir, which could provide documentary evidence of the promise. No official response from the APC or from Buhari’s estate has been reported in the sources. The interview aired on Friday, and no further statements from party officials or other aspirants have been recorded as of the publication of these reports. The matter may resurface during upcoming electoral cycles if the alleged promise influences intra‑party negotiations or legal challenges.