Isaac Samuel
There are indications that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar may consider former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election following recent reconciliation moves within the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Atiku emerged NDC Presidential candidate Wednesday night in a keenly contested primary election in which he Amaechi and Mohammed Hyatudeen were also candidates.
Speculations over a possible Atiku-Amaechi ticket intensified after Atiku visited Amaechi at his Abuja residence on Thursday, a day after he was announced candidate.
According to the official results released by the party, out of 3,113,599 registered members, a total of 2,527,977 participated in the voting process.
The results showed that Atiku secured 1,846,370 votes, while Amaechi polled 504,117 votes. Hayatu-Deen garnered 177,120 votes.
But before the final announcement, both Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen had rejected the process that produced the results, alleging irregularities in the conduct of the primary.
The two aspirants also boycotted the collation and official declaration of the results.
Amaechi had earlier dismissed suggestions that he could accept a vice-presidential slot, insisting he did not contest the ADC presidential primary to become anyone’s running mate.
But pundits were quick to assert last night that Atiku may tap Amaechi for the VP slot.
For one, the former Rivers governor remains one of the strongest political figures from the South-South and is widely seen as a grassroots mobiliser with national political experience.
A former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two-term governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Amaechi also enjoys strong political structures across parts of the Niger Delta and northern Nigeria due to his long-standing alliance with several northern political blocs.
His longstanding relationships with influential northern political figures would be a strategic advantage for Atiku, who may be looking for a running mate capable of bridging regional, religious and political interests within the opposition coalition.
Amaechi’s role as the DG of the of Buhari’s campaigns in 2015 and 2019 has also given him requisite experience and national profile.
One of the arguments for the Atiku-Amaechi ticket is its utility significantly strengthening ADC’s chances in the South-South, especially in Rivers State, while also reassuring northern political blocs already aligned with the former vice president.
Amaechi’s reputation as an outspoken and combative politician may equally help the ADC project itself as a formidable opposition force against the ruling party.
But such a ticket may also face certain political complications.
Some political stakeholders believe both Atiku and Amaechi represent the old political establishment at a time many younger Nigerians are demanding generational change and fresh leadership alternatives.
There are also concerns about Amaechi’s complicated political relationships in Rivers State following years of political rivalry within the state and the continuing crisis involving former governor and Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Indeed, Atiku’s previous vice-presidential selections have not always translated into the expected electoral advantages.
In the 2019 presidential election, Atiku selected former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi as his running mate under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The move at that time was to strengthen the party’s support in the South-East and among younger voters. Although the ticket performed strongly in parts of the South-East and South-South, Atiku ultimately lost the election to former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Again in 2023, Atiku picked former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate amid expectations that the choice would help secure the South-South for the PDP.
But the outcome of the election raised questions about the political value of the decision, particularly after the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, defeated both Atiku and Bola Tinubu in Delta State despite Okowa being the sitting governor and vice-presidential candidate of the PDP.
But beyond Amaechi, discussions within political circles have also thrown up other possible names, particularly from the South-East, as the ADC weighs the option of using the vice-presidential slot to expand its support base in the region.
One of the names mentioned is Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, the senator representing Abia South Senatorial District.
Abaribe is widely respected in opposition politics for his vocal criticism of successive administrations and his strong advocacy on issues affecting the South-East.
His supporters believe his outspoken nature, and popularity among politically active youths could energise sections of the opposition base.
Despite his visibility in national debates, Abaribe lacks the nationwide political structure and executive experience that may be needed in a fiercely contested presidential election.
Some conservative political blocs may also view his confrontational style as a potential source of internal tension within the coalition.
Another politician believed to be under consideration is Senator Victor Umeh, the senator representing Anambra Central and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Umeh is regarded as one of the most experienced political mobilisers in the South-East and maintains strong connections within political structures and grassroots networks across Anambra State.
His emergence could help the ADC penetrate areas traditionally loyal to APGA while also strengthening Atiku’s acceptability among South-East voters seeking greater political inclusion.
Nonetheless, Umeh’s influence may not extend strongly beyond the South-East, while his national political visibility may not match that of other possible contenders being discussed within the coalition.
Former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha has also emerged as one of the names attracting attention in ongoing consultations.
Ihedioha, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, is considered one of the more experienced politicians from the South-East with extensive ties across different political camps.
Those who are close to him describe him as calm, strategic and skilled in coalition-building, qualities many believe could help stabilise the ADC coalition ahead of the election.
Some of his supporters had argued that his experience within the Peoples Democratic Party before recent political realignments gives him access to influential political networks that may prove useful during campaigns.
However, his political influence may have weakened after the Supreme Court removed him as Imo State governor in 2020.
It was learnt that Atiku’s eventual choice of running mate would likely depend on a combination of factors, including regional balancing, electoral calculations, coalition management, mobilisation and the ability to unite different opposition interests ahead of 2027.
