The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, is set to unveil former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election this week.
Party sources disclosed that Atiku settled for Amaechi after extensive consultations and strategic considerations involving possible candidates from the South-East and South-West geopolitical zones.
According to insiders, the decision to pick a candidate from the South-South was informed by Amaechi’s political reach and extensive network, built during his tenure as governor of Rivers State and later as minister under the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari.
Sources within the party said the ADC leadership concluded that selecting a running mate from the South-East would offer limited electoral advantage, especially with Peter Obi already commanding significant influence in the region under another political platform.
The party also reportedly considered a South-West candidate but ruled out the option after determining that many political stakeholders in the region would be unwilling to trade presidential ambitions for the vice-presidential slot.
As a result, attention shifted to the South-South, where Amaechi was seen as a strategic choice capable of boosting the ticket’s national appeal and attracting crucial votes.
Party leaders are also said to be prioritising inclusiveness ahead of the 2027 polls to avoid internal divisions that weakened opposition efforts in the 2023 elections.
“The leadership is determined not to repeat the mistakes of 2023, when some stakeholders felt sidelined, leading to internal cracks. This time, every member will be carried along,” a source said.
Although Atiku had planned to announce his running mate earlier, the unveiling was reportedly delayed due to his brief trip abroad.
Sources, however, said the announcement is imminent and could happen before the end of the week.
Amaechi’s credentials, including his former role as chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and his experience as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, are believed to have strengthened his candidacy.
Party strategists also believe his association with major infrastructure projects, including the Second Niger Bridge completed during the Buhari administration, could help broaden support for the ADC ticket across the South-East and South-South.
(The Radarr)
