Atiku picks running mate
The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Atiku Abubakar has chosen former Minister of Transportation Chibuike Amaechi as his running mate.
According to Guardian, Atiku is said to have settled on Amaechi after weeks of talks within the coalition.
The move is seen as part of efforts to strengthen his ticket and improve balance between regions.
The former vice president is also reported to be positioning the ticket as a strong response to rival political alignments.
Before this decision, Amaechi had publicly stated that he was not seeking a vice presidential role and insisted that he would contest directly in the primaries.
He had also maintained that no formal offer was made to him regarding such a position after submitting his presidential nomination form.
However, close allies of the former minister said he later came under pressure from political figures across different regions, leading to renewed talks with Atiku’s camp.
It was gathered that assurances were given that the vice presidential role would carry major responsibilities during campaigns and in government structure if they win.
A very close ally of Amaechi said Atiku assured that the “VP nominee would have extensive roles to play in the campaigns and government”.
Meanwhile, Atiku, in a statement marking Democracy Day on June 12, called on Nigerians to resist bad governance and remain committed to democratic values.
He said the country has faced growing political tension, with opposition groups coming under pressure through internal disputes, defections, and state actions.
He also accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress All Progressives Congress of weakening opposition voices and using state institutions in ways that affect political competition.
Atiku said Nigerians must hold firmly to the ideals of democracy and protect the gains made since the June 12 struggle.
