Politics
Why ADC will pocket Southsouth votes
Abdul-Aziz Na’ibi Abubakar, a supporter of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has expressed confidence that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) would dominate the South-South region in the 2027 general election following the selection of former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as Atiku’s running mate.
In a post shared on X, Abubakar argued that the Atiku-Amaechi ticket would significantly boost the party’s electoral fortunes across the oil-rich region, citing Amaechi’s political influence and long-standing presence in South-South politics.
The ADC had on Monday announced Amaechi as the vice-presidential candidate to partner Atiku Abubakar in the 2027 presidential election. The party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the decision followed extensive consultations involving party leaders, coalition partners, youth and women groups, as well as representatives from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
According to Abdullahi, the choice of Amaechi reflects the party’s desire to present a ticket capable of addressing the country’s pressing challenges and uniting Nigerians across political and regional divides.
“The proposed partnership between His Excellency Atiku Abubakar and Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi represents more than a political alliance; it is the coming together of two tested statesmen with the experience, national reach, and leadership capacity required to rescue Nigeria from its current challenges and reposition the country for a new era of prosperity, security, and inclusive development,” he said.
Atiku secured the ADC presidential ticket after emerging victorious in the party’s primary election held in May. He polled 1,846,370 votes to defeat Amaechi, who garnered 504,117 votes, while former Managing Director of the defunct FSB International Bank, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, finished third with 177,120 votes.
Abdullahi described Amaechi as one of Nigeria’s most experienced political figures, highlighting his broad appeal within the party and his extensive record in public service.
He noted that Amaechi’s experience in both the executive and legislative arms of government makes him well-suited for the office of vice president.
“Beyond his impressive credentials, Rt. Hon. Amaechi strengthens the ticket strategically. His political influence across the South-South and wider Southern Nigeria, his reputation as a reform-minded administrator, and his proven ability to build coalitions across political, ethnic, and regional lines make him uniquely positioned to complement the candidacy of Atiku Abubakar,” Abdullahi stated.
He added that the Atiku-Amaechi ticket offers Nigerians “a credible and compelling alternative” through its combined experience in governance, economic management, public administration and party organisation.
“The leadership of the ADC is confident that this partnership will energise our growing coalition, inspire hope among Nigerians, and provide the leadership necessary to build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement added.
Amaechi served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2007 before becoming Governor of Rivers State between 2007 and 2015. He later served as Minister of Transportation from 2015 to 2022.
While Abubakar’s assertion reflects the optimism of Atiku’s supporters regarding the electoral prospects of the ADC in the South-South, the outcome of the 2027 election will ultimately depend on voter sentiment, party structures, campaigns and the positions adopted by other political parties in the region.