Atiku meets Amaechi after ADC presidential primary

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has met with former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, days after the conclusion of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary that produced Atiku as the party’s flag bearer for the 2027 presidential election.  

The meeting, which took place in Abuja, comes amid ongoing efforts within the ADC to calm tensions and reconcile aggrieved members following the highly contested primary election. Atiku emerged winner of the exercise after defeating Amaechi and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen to clinch the party’s presidential ticket.  

Amaechi had openly rejected the outcome of the primary even before the official declaration of results, alleging widespread irregularities and manipulation during the voting process. Reports indicated that the former Minister of Transportation questioned the credibility of the exercise and hinted at possible consultations over his next political steps.  

Despite the disagreement, Atiku had earlier appealed to Amaechi and other dissatisfied stakeholders to put aside their differences and unite ahead of the 2027 general election. The latest meeting is widely being interpreted as part of broader reconciliation moves aimed at preventing internal divisions within the ADC coalition ahead of the national polls.  

Details of the private discussion between both politicians were not officially disclosed as of the time of reporting. However, party insiders suggested that the visit may have focused on rebuilding trust within the party and securing Amaechi’s support for the opposition coalition’s presidential campaign.  

The ADC primary itself attracted significant national attention after Atiku secured over 1.8 million votes to emerge victorious in the nationwide exercise conducted across Nigeria’s wards. The contest also exposed early cracks within the opposition coalition as allegations of irregularities and internal disagreements surfaced during and after the process.  

Political analysts believe the relationship between Atiku and Amaechi could play a major role in determining the stability and strength of the ADC ahead of the 2027 election. Amaechi remains an influential political figure, particularly in Rivers State and parts of the South-South region, making reconciliation efforts strategically important for the party’s national ambitions.  

The meeting also signals the beginning of what may become intense coalition-building efforts within opposition ranks as political parties prepare for one of Nigeria’s most anticipated presidential elections in recent years.