Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is reportedly set to choose former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, as his running mate on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the January 16, 2027 presidential election.
Amaechi’s reported emergence is being viewed by political observers as a strategic move aimed at strengthening the party’s ticket against the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential team of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Analysts believe the decision reflects a different approach from the one adopted by Atiku ahead of the 2023 presidential election when he did not select former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, who came second in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primary, as his running mate.
Following the defection of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and former New Nigeria Peoples Party presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso to the ADC, speculations had emerged that the party was considering an Atiku-Amaechi ticket to achieve a North-East and South-South regional balance.
However, Amaechi had previously dismissed suggestions that he was seeking the vice-presidential position. After purchasing and submitting his ₦90 million presidential nomination form, he maintained that he was contesting for the party’s presidential ticket.
The former minister also rejected reports of a consensus arrangement and insisted on May 20 that the ADC should conduct a direct primary election to determine its candidate.
A source close to Amaechi reportedly disclosed that the former minister later accepted the proposal after pressure from influential political figures from the North-West and South-South regions.
According to the source, Atiku assured Amaechi that the vice-presidential candidate would play a prominent role during the campaign and, if elected, in the administration.
Meanwhile, ADC chieftain, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has dismissed claims by party stalwart Dele Momodu that Amaechi had rejected the vice-presidential position.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Eze described the claim as a personal opinion that could create unnecessary tension within the party.
He clarified that Amaechi’s earlier comments only indicated that no formal offer had been made to him at the time and should not be interpreted as a rejection of the position.
