Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has extended a birthday greeting to former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, commending his courage, conviction, and years of service to Rivers State and Nigeria. The message comes amid ongoing disputes over the results of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primaries.
Atiku's Birthday Message to Amaechi
In a post on his X handle @atiku on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, Atiku wrote: "Happy Birthday to my brother and fellow patriot, H.E. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi. Your courage, conviction, and years of service to Rivers State and Nigeria continue to inspire many across the nation. I wish you good health, strength, and many more years of impactful service to our dear country."
ADC Primary Controversy
The birthday message arrives after Amaechi rejected the results of the ADC presidential primaries, alleging irregularities. He claimed that a large percentage of party members were denied the opportunity to participate. The primaries, held on May 25, 2026, across Bayelsa State, saw Amaechi win with 44,404 votes, defeating Atiku and Hayatu-Deen Muhammed. However, the ADC has adjourned the collation of results to May 27, 2026, awaiting results from 12 states.
Mixed Reactions from Nigerians
Atiku's post has sparked varied responses on social media. Some users accused Atiku of hypocrisy, with @theekabbah commenting, "All this won’t change the fact that you rigged the ADC primaries." Others, like @LotennaSamuel, questioned the timing: "You first tell me sorry before Happy birthday, nah." Meanwhile, @AntiTinubu compared the gesture to "beating a child with the right hand and drawing her near with the left." Despite the criticism, some supporters wished Amaechi well, with @Audiostrap urging him to accept the primary results.
Background of the Primaries
The ADC presidential primary election took place across the eight local government areas of Bayelsa State. Atiku was initially reported to be leading with over 1.39 million votes, but Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen rejected the results due to alleged irregularities. The ADC has yet to release final results, with collation ongoing.
