Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Thursday visited former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, at his residence in Abuja, barely a day after emerging as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Atiku secured the ADC ticket on Wednesday after polling 1,846,370 votes to defeat Amaechi, who scored 504,117 votes, and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, who got 177,120 votes.
Talks Focused on Nigeria’s Challenges
The former vice president said his meeting with Amaechi focused on the state of the country, including economic hardship, insecurity and the need for patriotic Nigerians to work together to address the nation’s challenges.
He also used the visit to celebrate Amaechi’s birthday, joking about Arsenal’s recent triumph and describing the former minister as a committed supporter of the club.
“I also felicitated with him on the occasion of his birthday yesterday and teased that Arsenal’s historic triumph could not have arrived at a better time. Chief Amaechi, a thoroughly well-loaded Gunner, took the banter in very good spirits,” Atiku said.
He added that Amaechi promised to host him with Fisherman Soup during another visit.
Amaechi Yet to Accept Outcome of Primary
Despite the cordial atmosphere, the meeting did not appear to resolve tensions arising from the ADC presidential primary.
Amaechi had rejected the outcome of the exercise, alleging widespread voter disenfranchisement, while Hayatu-Deen also faulted the process and accused the party of irregularities.
ADC National Chairman David Mark, however, defended the primary, saying members were allowed to freely choose their candidate, although he admitted the process was not without shortcomings.
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According to a PREMIUM TIMES report, Amaechi declined to comment on the meeting when contacted, fuelling speculation that disagreements over the primary may still persist.
Source Says Amaechi Remained Noncommittal
A source close to Atiku disclosed to PREMIUM TIMES that Amaechi remained noncommittal during the talks.
“He only listened to our principal, exchanged banters with him and said he would make his decision on the ADC presidential ticket known after consulting his associates and supporters,” the source said.
According to the source, Amaechi assured Atiku that any decision he takes would be guided by the interest of Nigeria and its citizens.
Opposition Coalition Faces Early Test
Atiku, Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen contested for the ADC ticket as part of a broader opposition coalition seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general election.
Political observers believe Thursday’s meeting may be part of efforts to prevent divisions within the opposition coalition and rally support behind the ADC ahead of the next election cycle.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.