A key aide to former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, has affirmed his principal’s commitment. Amaechi is focused on securing the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 general elections.

A prominent ADC stakeholder spoke with Sunday Punch. He highlighted the former Rivers State governor’s firm decision to pursue the presidential race. However, the stakeholder cautioned that discussions around a vice-presidential offer remain premature.

The source explained that the ADC actively seeks bloc votes from Nigeria’s northern region. Fielding a northern candidate would be strategically advantageous to achieve this. Amaechi remains focused on the presidential ticket. However, the source acknowledged that political dynamics are fluid. Many changes are expected as primary elections draw closer. They emphasized that presidential ticket discussions are not yet fully ripe, urging for patience.

Weighing Amaechi’s Chances Against Atiku and a Potential Deal

Meanwhile, another close ally of the former governor spoke anonymously. He offered a candid perspective. The ally suggested a thorough strategic calculation is necessary. “We need to be honest with ourselves,” he stated. “Can Amaechi truly defeat Atiku in a primary election?”

If a primary victory against Atiku seems unlikely, the ally believes an early deal could be beneficial. “Accepting Atiku’s running mate position could be a viable option,” he added. The ally stressed that a pre-primary agreement helps avoid conflicts. Many “brushes” often arise after a contentious primary contest.

The ally further speculated on the broader political landscape. He focused particularly on Peter Obi. “Considering current developments, will Obi truly contest the primary against Atiku in the ADC?” he questioned. The ally believes Obi is unlikely to accept a running mate slot if he cannot secure the ADC ticket. This perceived reluctance explains Obi’s delay in joining the party. A clearer picture will emerge next year, the ally concluded. He positioned Amaechi as “the best option for Atiku as running mate.”