Retired Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai has described former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi’s performance in the 2022 All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary as a clear indication of his growing influence and wide acceptance across Nigeria.

 

In a recent interview, the former Chief of Army Staff emphasized that the number of votes Amaechi received was not just a political statement, but a testament to his relevance and appeal within the ruling party and across the country.

 

“Amaechi coming second in that race was no small feat,” Buratai said. “It showed that he is a respected figure, with a strong support base and a bright future in national leadership.”

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu clinched the APC presidential ticket with 1,271 delegate votes, while Amaechi, the former Rivers State governor, finished second with 316 votes. Notably, then-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and then-Senate President Ahmad Lawan trailed behind him — an outcome Buratai called “remarkable.”

 

“When a former governor ranks ahead of both the sitting vice president and the senate president in a contest of that magnitude, it says a lot,” Buratai remarked. “It shows the trust and confidence delegates had in Amaechi’s leadership style, competence, and political maturity.”

 

According to Buratai, Amaechi’s strong performance was especially significant given the political weight and visibility of the other candidates. He noted that the result illustrated how much ground Amaechi had gained within the APC and the depth of his national network.

 

“He didn’t get to that point by chance,” the former military chief added. “It’s a result of years of consistent leadership and service to the country. People across regions trust him, and that is something to watch in the coming years.”

 

Buratai concluded by stating that Amaechi remains a key figure in Nigeria’s political landscape, and that his role in shaping the country’s future leadership cannot be underestimated.

 

Amaechi, who previously served two terms as governor and later as transportation minister under President Muhammadu Buhari, has kept a relatively low profile since the primary loss, but continues to be viewed by many as a strong political force with potential future ambitions.