Former Minister of Transportation and African Democratic Congress vice-presidential candidate Rotimi Amaechi has revealed that following former President Muhammadu Buhari's advice contributed to his defeat in the 2022 All Progressives Congress presidential primary.

Reflecting on the contest during an interview in Lagos, Amaechi stated that Buhari had promised in writing to endorse him, which led him to refrain from campaigning, lobbying delegates, or negotiating political alliances. Believing that the former president's backing would secure his victory, Amaechi chose not to make political deals with governors or influential party figures, such as offering positions like the vice-presidency or Secretary to the Government of the Federation. In contrast, he noted that President Bola Tinubu utilized the opportunity to build strong political alliances and secure delegates.

Amaechi also alleged that religious sentiments were leveraged during the primary, particularly pointing to delegations appealing to Northern governors on religious grounds. While acknowledging that Nasir El-Rufai had initially supported his bid before ultimately backing Tinubu, Amaechi maintained that he opposes using religion as a political tool, emphasizing his nationalist convictions and belief that identity politics could deepen national divisions.

Tinubu ultimately won the APC presidential primary at Eagle Square in Abuja with 1,271 votes, compared to Amaechi's 316, subsequently winning the 2023 presidential election. Amaechi is now positioned as the vice-presidential running mate to Atiku Abubakar under the ADC ticket for the 2027 presidential election.