Public affairs and political analysts from Southern Nigeria have faulted the emergence of former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi as running mate to Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in the 2027 presidential election.
DAILY POST reports that Amaechi, who ran in the ADC presidential primary with Atiku, was recently picked as the running mate for the country's former vice president. The party officially announced the decision in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, describing the ticket as a "unity and rescue" arrangement that brings together two tested statesmen .
However, the development has stirred mixed reactions among ADC supporters and political observers.
Analysts Warn of Electoral Liability
Public affairs analysts Johnson Iheanacho, Eniafe Ayomide, and Anga Fidelis, in a statement on Friday, argued that the former minister of transportation would cost Atiku any chance of emerging victorious in the coming 2027 election .
The analysts questioned Atiku's political judgment, stating: "This begs the question. Is Atiku Abubakar aware of the massive hope many Nigerians from the six geopolitical zones of the country have invested in his aspiration? Does Atiku actually want to win the 2027 presidential elections, or, as Amaechi had quipped, does he just want to emerge as a party candidate again and lose to Tinubu at the general elections as a serial loser he has become?"
Amaechi's Waning Political Influence
The analysts contend that Amaechi's political standing in Rivers State has significantly weakened, describing him as a "political liability" who cannot even win his ward in the Ikwerre Local Government Area .
"Based on the dynamics of Nigerian politics, Atiku is expected to garner large support and votes from the North. While focusing on that goal, should he be distracted by an Amaechi who cannot deliver one state in the eight states that made up the Niger Delta region he is from?" they asked .
The analysts noted that Amaechi's long-running feud with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has fractured his political base, with many former loyalists abandoning his camp . His defection from the PDP to the APC in 2013 is also cited as a factor that alienated many supporters in the South-South .
"With all due respect, maybe Atiku, even though he is a pan-Nigerian who has businesses, friends, associates, and ties across the South West, South East, and South-South sides of the country, may not be fully abreast with the political reality in the Niger Delta region where Amaechi is from," they added .
Counterarguments and Support
Despite the criticism, some political figures have hailed the ticket. ADC candidate Hon. Olugbenga Edema described the Atiku-Amaechi pairing—dubbed the "AA" ticket—as a "game changer" that would reshape the party's electoral fortunes . He noted that the combination of Atiku's national stature and Amaechi's political experience in both legislative and executive arms of government presents Nigerians with a formidable alternative.
Idris Kalgo, a political ally of Amaechi, also expressed confidence in the ticket's prospects, stating in a recent interview that "if Amaechi accepts to be Atiku's vice-presidential candidate, trust me, the Atiku-Amaechi ticket will win" .
Amaechi's Political Record
The ADC has defended its choice, citing Amaechi's extensive record in public service spanning the legislative and executive arms of government. He served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2007, two-term Governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015, and Minister of Transportation under former President Muhammadu Buhari .
The party argued that "few political leaders in Nigeria today possess such extensive and balanced experience across both the legislative and executive arms of government" .
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