Former Minister of Transportation Chibuike Amaechi is poised to become the Director‑General of Atiku Abubakar’s presidential campaign organisation for the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Party insiders say the appointment is part of Atiku’s broader strategy to build a reformed, partnership‑driven administration should he win the 2027 election.
Amaechi Named Campaign DG
Amaechi, a former Rivers State governor, is also being discussed as a prospective vice‑presidential nominee for the ADC. Sources close to the party reveal that his extensive campaign experience — most notably his role as Director‑General for Muhammadu Buhari’s victorious 2015 bid — was a decisive factor in the selection.
Vision for a Partnership Presidency
According to a former senator and ambassador who spoke with The Guardian, Atiku intends to reshape the Nigerian presidency by granting the vice president clear, substantive responsibilities. He cited the strained relationships between past presidents and their deputies — from Umaru Musa Yar’Adua through Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari — as evidence that the current model needs urgent reform.
Atiku pointed out that, unlike the United States system where the vice president’s role is constitutionally defined, the Nigerian vice president often serves at the president’s discretion. By adopting a “partnership presidency,” Atiku hopes to avoid the adversarial dynamics that have marred previous administrations.
Learning from Personal Experience
The former vice president’s own tenure under Olusegun Obasanjo, particularly during their second term when relations deteriorated, informed this approach. Atiku wants to ensure that his running mate does not become a mere “spare tyre” or “tea‑server,” but an active partner in governance.
Party Strategy and Collegiate Governance
In related developments, former Sokoto State governor Senator Aminu Tambuwal — earlier floated as a vice‑presidential candidate — may serve as Deputy Director‑General of the Atiku/Amaechi campaign team. The ADC is also exploring a collegiate system of administration to counteract the winner‑takes‑all tendencies that have dominated Nigerian politics.
Party officials believe these moves will demonstrate Atiku’s readiness to rescue the nation and lay the groundwork for a true presidential system, with strong party leadership guiding both the executive and legislative arms.
About the Author
