Amaechi made the clarification during an interview on Arise Television while responding to questions about his political support base and ongoing discussions surrounding the emerging opposition alliance ahead of the 2027 elections.
During the interview, the presenter observed that unlike politicians such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, Amaechi did not appear to have a strong public movement of supporters actively campaigning for him online and in public spaces.
Reacting to the observation, Amaechi argued that such impressions are mostly influenced by elite opinions and social media narratives rather than actual political strength on the ground.
“The problem you have is you're used to social media,” Amaechi stated during the interview.
When the interviewer clarified that he was referring to visible supporters who openly advocate for Atiku and Obi, Amaechi replied that such supporters mainly belong to elite political circles.
“Those are the elites. They believe in what you're doing now,” he added.
The former minister also addressed reports surrounding a recent visit to former Senate President David Mark, where speculation emerged that he walked out angrily after allegedly being asked to step down for another aspirant within the coalition.
Amaechi strongly denied the claims, insisting that the reports were false and based on incorrect interpretations of an ordinary political meeting.
“I listened to my friend Dele Momodu abuse me. First, that video was not correct. I didn't storm out anywhere,” Amaechi said.
According to him, no conversation took place about stepping down for another candidate and there was no disagreement during the visit.
“The chairman of the party did not speak to me to step down for anybody, nothing. Just a normal visit, normal conversation. Then I left,” he explained.
Amaechi further stated that the misunderstanding arose simply because he walked quickly after the meeting, which some people interpreted as anger or frustration.
“Because I was walking briskly, they say, ‘storms out,’” he stated.
The former governor explained that after their discussion, David Mark personally accompanied him to the door before he departed.
“I finished talking with him. He walked me to the door. Right? And then I walked briskly,” Amaechi added.
He also mocked suggestions that he was expected to walk slowly or smile excessively simply to avoid political speculation.
“What people expected me to do was sluggishly, smiling to myself, mental case because of politics. Is that what they wanted me to do?” he asked.
Amaechi maintained that discussions about stepping down for another aspirant never came up during the meeting.
“Step down for who? That had not even come up,” he said.
His remarks have continued to generate political conversations as opposition figures and coalition groups intensify consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Political analysts say the comments highlight ongoing speculation and strategic maneuvering within Nigeria’s opposition political landscape as major figures position themselves for future contests.
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