Amaechi rejected as Atiku’s running mate
The Southern Political Progressives Amalgamation Forum has rejected former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as running mate to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
The group made its position known in a statement issued on Friday by its Convener, Anga Fidelis, and two other members.
It argued that Amaechi would not add electoral strength to Atiku’s presidential ambition, claiming he no longer enjoys enough political support in Rivers State.
According to the Forum, Amaechi would struggle to win votes even in his own Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The group questioned how someone who could not command support in his immediate political base would be able to attract votes across the 17 states in Southern Nigeria, made up of the South-South, South-West and South-East.
The Forum said Atiku might not have a full understanding of the present political situation in the Niger Delta.
It argued that Amaechi’s influence in the region had reduced over the years and described him as a politician who no longer enjoys the level of support he once had.
The group also pointed to Amaechi’s role during the 2015 general election, when he worked against the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
It claimed many people in the Niger Delta have not forgotten that period and still hold negative views about his actions.
It further stated that Amaechi’s political decisions over the years had weakened his relationship with many people in the region.
According to the Forum, this has affected his ability to gather support and made him less attractive as a possible vice-presidential candidate.
The Forum maintained that anyone chosen as a running mate should strengthen a presidential ticket by bringing additional votes and political value.
It argued that selecting a candidate who is unable to command support in his own area could create more problems than benefits during the election.
It also warned Atiku to be careful when making decisions ahead of the 2027 election, saying the choice of a running mate could affect the outcome of the contest.
The group said the opposition’s goal remains defeating President Bola Tinubu, but added that poor political calculations could work against that objective.
While acknowledging Amaechi’s long political career as a former two-term governor of Rivers State, former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and former Minister of Transportation, the Forum insisted that those achievements no longer reflect his present political standing.
The group claimed Amaechi had lost much of his political influence since 2015 and now relies mainly on public comments and media appearances instead of commanding strong grassroots support.
It also suggested that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, would welcome another political contest involving Amaechi because of their long-standing rivalry in Rivers State politics.
