2027: Atiku reportedly weighs Okonjo-Iweala, Adesina, Amaechi for VP slot as ADC finalises strategy

The former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, who recently became the flag bearer of African Democratic Congress (ADC) Party for the presidential candidacy in 2027, is reported to be mulling several prominent Nigerians for the vice president candidacy role, as negotiations continue within the ranks of the party on its eventual presidential ticket.

According to reliable sources, some of the names of those being considered include former Minister of Finance Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and African Development Bank President, Akinwumi Adesina, as leading candidates for the vice president slot.

Insiders in Central Post Nigeria disclosed that the negotiations are part of strategic efforts by the party and its flagbearer, Atiku Abubakar, in building a strong national ticket for its eventual presidential bid to increase its chances for victory in view of his emergence as the party’s presidential candidate.

According to insiders, Okonjo-Iweala has been one of the main names discussed in the internal negotiations due to her close work experience with him while in office under the presidency of Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999-2007.

Apart from historical ties, other factors that make her a good choice include her international reputation, economic policy experience, and leadership of major international financial institutions, which can improve the party’s image especially on matters relating to economic reforms, indebtedness, and financial management.

According to the party’s analysts, her inclusion in the list is expected to improve the party’s campaign regarding economic revival when issues like high inflation rates, unemployment levels, and currency devaluation are likely to become central in 2027.

In addition, sources reveal that former Vice President Akinwumi Adesina, with his rich experience in international development, agrarian reforms, and finance, is another potential candidate the party will consider.

The vice president’s supporters are said to hold that his leadership experience at the African Development Bank through promotion of continental development projects would be a great advantage for the party since he has great technocratic appeal.

His reputation in international development circles is also likely to boost the confidence of foreign investors in the party’s economic policies should the ADC win the presidential elections next year.

At the same time, the vice president faces pressure from within the party to consider Rotimi Amaechi, another top contender during the ADC presidential primaries.

It has been reported that those in support of Amaechi are lobbying for him to be part of the ticket as his presence in the list will add much-needed political clout to the party especially in the South-South zone and other southern parts of Nigeria where there is stiff competition expected at the polls.

This is because of his wealth of experience in governance, especially in areas of infrastructure and the political connections he possesses.

While consultations are reportedly ongoing, the sources close to the matter clarified that no final decision has yet been made with regard to the vice-president.

According to the sources, consultations are currently ongoing with different political camps, and it is believed that Atiku will make the official announcement in a few days or weeks from now as the 2027 election draws nearer.

As of this writing, both Atiku and the ADC have not officially announced anything on the issue despite rumors linking different individuals.