Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has declared his confidence in winning the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket for the 2027 general elections, while directly challenging the electoral viability of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. In a bold statement, Amaechi asserted that Atiku's history of primary victories without corresponding presidential wins makes him a weak candidate.
Amaechi Challenges Atiku's Primary Record
Speaking during an interview on Trust TV on Monday night, May 18, Amaechi expressed skepticism about Atiku's chances. He stated, "I listened when the former vice president said he never failed a primary before. I hope this will be the first time he will fail primary." Amaechi emphasized that repeated success in party primaries has not translated into electoral victory for Atiku, questioning the former vice president's electability.
"The issue is that at all times that you have passed primary, you have not won an election. So it's about electability," Amaechi argued. He positioned himself as a fresh alternative, noting that he has never contested a presidential election before, allowing voters to assess him without prior baggage.
Amaechi Praises Atiku and Obi Despite Rivalry
Despite his criticism, Amaechi acknowledged the capabilities of both Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi. He stated, "If you give this country to Vice President Atiku to govern, I believe he would do well. Just as I think Governor Obi would do well. Honestly, both of them would do better than President Tinubu." Amaechi also accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of introducing ethnic considerations into governance, contrasting him with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, whom he described as a nationalist.
Amaechi Supports Zoning Amid Unity Concerns
On the issue of zoning, Amaechi expressed conditional support, acknowledging Nigeria's lack of unity. He said, "The answer is yes and no. Yes in the sense that the country, for now, is yet to be found as a united entity."
ADC Unveils Committees for Presidential Primaries
The African Democratic Congress has announced key committees to oversee its presidential primaries ahead of the 2027 elections. Former Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, will head the Presidential Screening Committee, while former Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, chairs the Presidential Election Committee.
The screening committee includes Hon. C.I.D. Maduabum as Secretary, along with Alhaji Lawal Batagarawa, Prof. Bode Ayorinde, Hon. Nnena Elendu-Ukeje, Prof. David Salifu, and Col. Abubakar Ali Ciroma. The Election Committee comprises Prof. Yisa Gana as Secretary, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Jalingo, Dr Auwalu Anwar, Chief Emenike Ikechi, Dr Macaulay Iyare, Tajudeen Bakare, Elder Ubolo Itodo Okpanachi, Zainab Buba Galadima, Uzoamaka Onyeama, and Maj.-Gen Muhammad Inuwa Idris.
A Presidential Appeals Committee has also been set up, chaired by Dr Suleiman Usman (SAN), with Barr. Ken Imasuagbon as secretary and Barr. Dare Okerade as member. The party stated that these committees are designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and credible internal democracy in the conduct of its primaries.
Obi Emerges NDC 2027 Presidential Candidate
In related news, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially closed the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for its 2027 presidential primary, with only one aspirant entering the race. Party insiders disclosed that former Labour Party presidential candidate and ex-Anambra State Governor Peter Obi was the sole individual who purchased the forms.
The developments signal an intensifying political landscape as parties prepare for the 2027 general elections, with key figures like Amaechi, Atiku, and Obi positioning themselves for the presidency.
