2027: Atiku set to announce Amaechi as running mate

Ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar has allegedly concluded plans to field alongside ex-Minister of Transportation Chibuike Amaechi on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the race for the presidency ahead of the 2027 general election.

The move followed several rounds of consultations and negotiations from within the ranks of the opposition party in preparation for the coming polls, according to some informed sources. It is understood that the alliance between the duo will boost their prospects in the contest which promises to be very tough.

It should be recalled that just few days ago, a Peter Obi-Rabiu Kwankwaso alliance emerged on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). The development signals the beginning of another major opposition contest for the presidency leading to the January 16, 2027 election.

Atiku’s choice of Amaechi gives him the benefit of having a North East/South South ticket as well as two seasoned political players with a wide network across the country.

This latest development is noteworthy considering the fact that Atiku rejected the candidacy of the former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike during the recently-concluded 2023 Peoples Democratic Party presidential primaries.

While Amaechi previously rejected the idea of running for vice president, sources privy to the negotiations say he finally agreed after getting reassurances that he would play a key role in the campaign as well as the administration.

On his part, Atiku capitalized on the Democracy Day observance to attack President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the fact that recent activities of the Federal Government appear to run contrary to the spirit of June 12 democratic movement.

In a statement marking the Democracy Day observance, the former Vice President blamed the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) of stifling opposition parties through intimidation, defections, and the abuse of state agencies.

He says institutions which were supposed to be autonomous have been increasingly abused in order to stifle the voice of opponents as the nation approaches 2027 general elections.

Atiku urged Nigerians to uphold democratic principles, fight against political intimidation, and stand firm in defending the spirit of democracy for which pro-democracy activists made their sacrifices.

While the Atiku-Amaechi duo is yet to issue an official statement on the development, sources within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) claim that talks have advanced considerably.