Did Amaechi’s 2015 Break With Jonathan Stem From Vice-Presidential Ambition?

Many Niger Delta observers view Rotimi Amaechi’s role in the coalition that defeated former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 as a political betrayal. They argue that Amaechi’s influence as Rivers State governor and chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum helped the APC build the southern support it needed to challenge Jonathan. The article argues that the battle for control of the Governors’ Forum and Amaechi’s eventual defection reflected a deeper struggle over political succession. It suggests that, under Nigeria’s informal zoning expectations, Jonathan remaining in office could have limited Amaechi’s path to becoming vice president. Claims that Amaechi expected a major reward after the 2015 election have been widely discussed, though he has denied allegations concerning the use of state resources. After losing the APC presidential primary in 2022, Amaechi has been linked with opposition realignments ahead of 2027. The central argument is that his decision to oppose Jonathan may have damaged his standing among some South-South voters and made his future presidential or vice-presidential ambitions more difficult.

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