2027: Atiku, Ameachi meet in Abuja
Former Vice President and a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has praised former Rivers State Governor and Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, describing him as a
Former Vice President and a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has praised former Rivers State Governor and Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, describing him as a statesman with a distinguished public service record.
This occurred as political stakeholders intensified consultations and strategic engagements ahead of 2027, with opposition figures increasingly involved in cross-party interactions shaping early realignments.
Atiku, in a post on his verified X handle on Wednesday, said Amaechi's contributions to national development are evident in his roles as two-term Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two-term governor, and two-term minister.
“I remain deeply grateful for the warmth, grace, and generosity of spirit with which he received me and my delegation,” he wrote, following what he described as an “engaging and fruitful audience.”
The remarks followed a private meeting between both political figures at Amaechi’s residence in Abuja, where Atiku was received alongside members of his delegation.
However, a highly placed source familiar with the engagement said the meeting should not be viewed in isolation from wider political developments, noting that both men have been mentioned in emerging conversations around the ADC’s evolving internal structure and presidential permutations ahead of 2027.
The source said the interaction was not extraordinary in itself, but acknowledged that it takes place when political actors across parties are realigning and holding consultations ahead of the next general elections.
Atiku and Amaechi, both influential figures in Nigeria’s opposition politics in recent years, have been reported in political circles as possible contenders in the ADC’s anticipated presidential contest, though neither has formally declared a definitive position on the matter within the party.
Despite growing speculation, another source familiar with the visit cautioned against overreading the engagement, describing it as part of longstanding personal and political relationships between the two men.
“It is more of a senior brother visiting a younger one. Nothing beyond friendship and mutual respect. It is not out of the ordinary,” the source said.
