A group of public affairs and political analysts from Southern Nigeria has criticised the reported emergence of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as the running mate to Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), for the 2027 presidential election.
The analysts argued that Amaechi’s selection, if confirmed, could undermine Atiku’s chances of defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next general election.
Reports had indicated that Amaechi, who contested the ADC presidential primary alongside Atiku, was recently chosen as the former vice president’s running mate, although the party has yet to complete the formal process of submitting its ticket in line with the timetable of the electoral commission.
The reported choice has generated mixed reactions within the ADC, with the party’s newly appointed spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, previously expressing reservations over Amaechi’s emergence.
In a statement issued on Friday, the analysts—Johnson Iheanacho, Eniafe Ayomide and Anga Fidelis—said Amaechi no longer possesses the political influence required to strengthen Atiku’s presidential bid.
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According to them, the reported decision raises questions about Atiku’s electoral strategy and commitment to securing victory in 2027.
“This begs the question. Is Atiku Abubakar aware of the massive hope many Nigerians from the six geopolitical zones of the country have invested in his aspiration? Does Atiku actually want to win the 2027 presidential election, or does he just want to emerge as a party candidate again?” the statement read.
The analysts argued that if Atiku had indeed settled for Amaechi as his running mate before the completion of the nomination process, it could suggest a miscalculation capable of weakening the party’s electoral prospects.
They maintained that while Atiku enjoys political relationships across the South-West, South-East and South-South, he may not fully appreciate the current political realities in the Niger Delta, where Amaechi hails from.
Describing the former Minister of Transportation as a “political liability,” the analysts claimed Amaechi no longer commands sufficient grassroots support in Rivers State, alleging that he would struggle to deliver even his local government area, let alone the state.
They further contended that with the opposition expected to rely on substantial support from Northern Nigeria, Atiku requires a running mate capable of mobilising votes across the southern region.
According to the analysts, Amaechi lacks the political strength to secure significant electoral support in the South-South and other southern geopolitical zones, arguing that such a limitation could prove costly in a tightly contested presidential election.
They concluded that while many Nigerians desire political change in 2027, the opposition must present what they described as the strongest possible ticket if it hopes to mount a successful challenge at the polls.