Amaechi: Buhari promised me the APC ticket in writing in 2022 but did not keep his word

Former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi says the late President Muhammadu Buhari gave him a written promise to back him for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket in 2022, but failed to honour it.

Speaking on a radio programme on Mainland 98.3 FM in Lagos on Friday, Amaechi said he relied on that assurance instead of making political deals before the June 2022 primary, and described trusting Buhari as his first mistake in the race. He did not show the document or say when the promise was made.

Bola Tinubu won the primary with 1,271 votes. Amaechi came second with 316, ahead of then Vice President Yemi Osinbajo with 235.

Amaechi also accused Tinubu of using religion to win support, claiming that a group of Yoruba Muslims had lobbied governors in the North-West to back him on the basis of shared faith. He gave no names or evidence.

Amaechi, who led Buhari's presidential campaigns, is now Atiku Abubakar's running mate in the African Democratic Congress, whose ticket was annulled by a court this week. The APC, the Presidency and those close to the late President had not responded at the time of publishing.