2027: Why Atiku picked Amaechi as running mate
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has chosen former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election.
Sources within the party said the decision followed consultations and assessments of possible candidates from different parts of the southern region.
According to those familiar with the process, Atiku considered individuals from both the South-East and South-West before settling on Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State and a key figure in national politics.
Party insiders said the South-East option was eventually dropped because Peter Obi is already contesting the presidency under another political platform.
They explained that the party believed selecting a vice-presidential candidate from the region would not provide the political advantage it was seeking.
The South-West was also reportedly considered during the selection process.
However, sources said party leaders concluded that voters in the region would not easily accept a vice-presidential slot when the presidency was also being contested.
This led the ADC leadership to shift its attention to the South-South.
Amaechi was said to have emerged as the preferred choice because of his political reach across the country.
His experience as a two-term governor of Rivers State, former chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and former minister under the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari were among the factors considered by the party.
Sources added that the ADC leadership wants to avoid the internal disagreements that affected opposition politics during the 2023 elections.
As a result, party leaders are said to be working towards carrying members along and ensuring that different interests within the party are adequately represented ahead of the 2027 contest.
It was gathered that Atiku had planned to announce Amaechi earlier but postponed the move because of a short trip outside the country.
Party sources said the formal presentation of the former minister would take place once the presidential candidate returns.
The ADC believes the choice of Amaechi could help strengthen its support base, particularly in the South-South and parts of the South-East.
Party members are also banking on his political experience and longstanding relationships across various states to boost the ticket’s chances in the election.
