The media office of Peter Obi has denied reports that he asked Rotimi Amaechi to step down for him in the 2027 presidential race.
In a statement signed by Ibrahim Umar, the Obi Media Office said the meeting between both men was part of consultations within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of its presidential primaries.
The statement said Mr Obi visited Mr Amaechi to discuss cooperation within the party and did not request that he withdraw from the race.
“At no time during the interaction did Obi beg Amaechi to step down for him. Obi informed Amaechi that he was running for the ADC ticket and asked for his support,” the statement said.
It added that both men stated their positions during the meeting and agreed on cooperation within the party.
“Amaechi also told Obi that he was in the race for the party’s ticket. They agreed to work together in the interest of the party and the nation,” it added.
The clarification follows reports that Peter Obi and Amaechi met in Abuja over the weekend, where Obi was said to have asked Amaechi to step down for him. The meeting was also said to have included former Imo State governor Achike Udenwa and Senator Victor Umeh.
Both politicians are among those seeking the ADC presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party is led by David Mark.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed party primaries between April 23 and May 30, with parties expected to adopt direct primaries or consensus arrangements.
Reacting to the reports, Amaechi said he did not agree to step down for anyone and confirmed that he remains in the race.
According to him, the meeting was a political consultation, not a discussion of withdrawal.
“I am in the race. I did not agree to step down for anybody. If I lose at the primaries, I will support whoever wins, and I expect the same from others,” he said.
