Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is the 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has reportedly selected former Minister of Transportation and ex-governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, as his running mate for the upcoming polls. This development comes after a series of meetings between the two political figures.
Meetings Between Atiku and Amaechi
Recently, Atiku visited Amaechi at his residence, and Amaechi also paid a return visit to Atiku. According to The Guardian, the choice of Amaechi indicates that the ADC presidential candidate has decided to take a different approach from his 2023 presidential election strategy, where he rejected Nyesom Wike, another former governor of Rivers State. Wike had emerged as the first runner-up in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primary.
Earlier speculation suggested that the ADC was working towards an Atiku-Amaechi joint ticket for the 2027 election. However, Amaechi had previously refuted this after filing and returning the party's presidential nomination form, stating that he was not positioning himself for the vice presidential slot.
Pressure and Entreaties from Political Leaders
A close ally of Amaechi revealed that the former governor accepted the vice presidential slot after pressure and entreaties from highly placed political leaders from the South-South region and the North-West. The ally disclosed that Atiku assured Amaechi that the vice presidential nominee would have extensive roles to play in the campaigns and the government.
Public Reactions
The report of Amaechi's visit to Atiku in Abuja has generated reactions from Nigerians. Some comments include:
- CNmesirion91884 described Amaechi as the vice presidential hopeful of the ADC, noting that after all the shakara, he still accepted the slot. They warned that if the opportunity slips away, it could be like Nyesom Wike's situation in 2023.
- Dr Jay expressed concern about the treatment of Atiku's supporter, Kenneth Okonkwo, suggesting that he should be the incoming vice president while Amaechi serves as Director General.
- Jossy commented that Kenneth Okonkwo was laughing like a slave forcing an unsolicited handshake from a man bitter about the primary elections.
- Chijioke Michael Obi questioned why grown men like Kenneth Okonkwo would sit in a corner and greet people entering Atiku's house.
A video of the visit has been shared on social media platforms, further fueling discussions.
