Revealed: Why Atiku Chose Amaechi As Running Mate For 2027

Revealed: Why Atiku Chose Amaechi As Running Mate For 2027
ADC believes Amaechi’s political network will strengthen the ticket.
Party aims to avoid divisions that affected opposition efforts in 2023.

Fresh details have emerged on why the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, reportedly settled for former Minister of Transportation and former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as his running mate ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

According to sources familiar with the decision-making process, Atiku considered several options from the South East and South West before eventually opting for a candidate from the South South region.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that party insiders told Nigerian Tribune that the decision was influenced by Amaechi’s political reach, extensive network and experience in national politics, having served as governor of Rivers State and later as Minister of Transportation under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Sources disclosed that the ADC leadership carefully evaluated the electoral implications of selecting a vice-presidential candidate from different regions before arriving at its decision.

According to party insiders, the option of choosing a candidate from the South East was reviewed but was eventually dropped because the region already has a strong presidential contender in Peter Obi, who is contesting on another platform.

The party also reportedly considered selecting a serving governor from the South West. However, discussions within the party concluded that many political stakeholders in the region would be reluctant to settle for the vice-presidential position when the presidency remained the ultimate political prize.

As a result, attention shifted to the South South, where Amaechi was viewed as a strategic choice capable of strengthening the party’s chances through his political influence and established support network.

One source explained that the party was determined to avoid the mistakes that contributed to divisions within the opposition during the 2023 elections.

“The leaders have resolved to avoid the mistakes of 2023, where some leaders felt sidelined, creating division within the then-opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This time, every member is considered a stakeholder, and we will work closely with everyone,” the source said.

Sources further revealed that Atiku had planned to unveil Amaechi shortly after finalising the decision but postponed the announcement because of a brief trip abroad.

“I can assure you that once the presidential candidate returns, Amaechi will be presented to the public,” another source stated.

Revealed: Why Atiku Chose Amaechi As Running Mate For 2027

Party officials believe that selecting a running mate from the South South will broaden the ticket’s appeal and help attract crucial votes ahead of the election.