Atiku, Amaechi close ranks as ADC names ex minister running mate

By Lateef Ibrahim

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) appears to have moved past the divisions that followed its presidential primary after former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, accepted to serve as the running mate to the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
The development signals a major step towards unity within the opposition party, which had witnessed internal disagreements after the conclusion of its presidential nomination process.
Confirmation of Amaechi’s acceptance came from the immediate past Rivers State Chairman of the ADC, Leader Sampson, who disclosed duri the weekend that the former governor of Rivers State had agreed to join Atiku on the party’s presidential ticket.
The decision marks a significant turnaround for Amaechi, who had earlier insisted that his presidential ambition was not a bargaining tool for a vice-presidential position.
Before the primary election, Amaechi publicly declared that he did not purchase the party’s presidential nomination form with the intention of later accepting a subordinate role on the ticket.
Tensions further heightened after the primary election, which Amaechi contested but lost to Atiku Abubakar.
The outcome of the exercise generated controversy within sections of the party, with some aggrieved members alleging that the process was manipulated in favour of the former vice president.
Amaechi was among those who strongly questioned the credibility of the primary, fueling speculation that the disagreement could deepen divisions within the ADC ahead of future elections.
However, recent developments suggest that party leaders may have succeeded in reconciling key interests in a bid to strengthen the ADC’s electoral prospects.
When asked whether Amaechi had formally accepted the vice-presidential nomination, Leader Sampson responded in the affirmative, simply stating, “Yes.”
Political observers believe the decision could help consolidate support for the ADC by bringing together two influential political figures with extensive national networks and electoral experience.
The Atiku-Amaechi ticket is expected to become a major talking point within Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly as parties continue to position themselves ahead of future electoral contests.
For the ADC, the acceptance of the vice-presidential role by Amaechi may be seen as an important step toward presenting a united front despite the disagreements that characterized the party’s primary election process.
The party is yet to issue a detailed official statement on the nomination, but the development is already being interpreted as evidence of efforts to heal internal wounds and strengthen cohesion within its ranks.