February 12, (THEWILL) — Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has cautioned the African Democratic Congress (ADC) against fielding a northern presidential candidate in the 2027 elections, warning that such a move could weaken the party’s appeal in southern Nigeria.
Speaking in Kano, Amaechi, who has already declared interest in the ADC presidential ticket, said that while he remains loyal to the party’s decisions, political realities must guide the choice of its standard-bearer.
“I will support whoever emerges. But I also advise the ADC to look around and identify the best material that can convince Nigerians that things will be turned around”, he stated.
Amaechi outlined three critical considerations for the party ahead of the general election: capacity, age, and adherence to the unwritten convention of southern leadership.
“They should conclude that and then transfer power to the North. It makes it easier for those of us from the South to say we are going to compete because the North has said, ‘finish all this’”, he said.
The former Rivers Governor warned that presenting a northern candidate at a time when many southerners expect power to remain in the region could create challenges for the ADC.
“If you elect somebody from the North, I’m not saying we won’t campaign, but it will be difficult to convince the South to give up power because they will ask the North, ‘Why is it that it’s only when power comes to the South that there is a problem?’” Amaechi added.
Despite his reservations, the former minister reaffirmed his commitment to party unity, pledging to support whichever candidate emerges from the ADC primary. He also pledged that, if elected, he would serve only a single four-year term to allow power to rotate back to the North.
Another presidential aspirant, Peter Obi, has similarly indicated his willingness to serve only a single term if elected under the party, in line with the spirit of zoning.
Amaechi’s comments follow statements from former Kaduna State Governor and ADC chieftain, Nasir El-Rufai, who recently reiterated the party’s opposition to zoning its presidential ticket. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, also seen as a leading ADC contender, has said the party would not zone its nomination.
With the 2027 elections still some distance away, Amaechi’s intervention underscores that the question of regional rotation may prove as decisive as who eventually clinches the ADC presidential ticket.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
