Barely 20 hours after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerged as the presidential standard bearer of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, for the 2027 election, he visited his fellow contestant, former Minister of Transportation and one-time Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi.
Atiku Abubakar had defeated Amaechi and the former Chairman of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group,. Mohammed Hayatu-Deen in a direct primary held across the country on Monday and Tuesday.
The high-level meeting in Abuja was reportedly to manage post-primary tensions, ease internal friction, and unify the party’s heavyweight opposition forces.
Prior to the visit, Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen had rejected the election results, describing the process as “concocted” and flawed.
The former Vice President was accompanied by prominent opposition figures, including former Sokoto State Governor and serving Senator, Aminu Tambuwal and founder and former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu.
Beyond party politics, Atiku Abubakar stated on his official social media handle that they held honest conversations regarding Nigeria’s rising economic hardships, widespread insecurity, and the collective responsibility of patriots to find national solutions.
The meeting featured lighthearted moments, with Atiku felicitating Amaechi on his 61st birthday in May 27, which was the day prior as he teasied him over football updates.
The visit signals a strategic realignment as the ADC attempts to position itself as a formidable “third force” coalition to challenge the ruling administration in the 2027 elections.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
