Sam Amadi, the Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, has stated that Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, has not publicly confirmed the former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as his running mate.

It was reported that Amadi said this in a post on 𝕏 after reports that the ADC had picked Amaechi as its vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

“Nigerns are waiting to hear him (Atiku) personally announce Amaechi as his running mate, he said.

“@atiku has not publicly named @ChibuikeAmaechi as his VP. Perhaps he will do that soonest. We wait to hear him say so soonest,’ wrote Amadi.

Amaechi Named ADC

Meanwhile, the ADC has chosen Amaechi as its vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 poll.

Naija News earlier reported that the party paired him with Atiku in what its leaders called a “unity and rescue ticket.”

The ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, who announced the decision in a statement sent to Naija News on Monday, said the emergence of Amaechi was based on wide consultations within the party.

The decision also took into account Amaechi’s performance as the runner-up in the party’s presidential primaries and his record of service to Rivers State and Nigeria, Abdullahi said.

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Human rights lawyer, Maduabuchi Idam, has accused a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Kenneth Okonkwo of exchanging his brain for his sharp tongue.

Idam was responding to the rejection of the Atiku-Amaechi’s ADC presidential ticket by Okonkwo.

Okonkwo also faulted the ADC’s decision to pick the South South’s former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi as the running mate of Atiku Abubakar.

ADC Chieftain Vows Not To Campaign For Atiku If His Running Mate Is Not Southeast

But Idam in a statement said: “Kenneth Okonkwo, who appears to have exchanged his brain for an abnormally sharp tongue, has spoken again. This time around, he appears to be touting a presidential ticket that makes provision for the Southeast, either as President or Vice President.

“On the surface, one might be tempted to view this as a pan-Igbo stance. But the real question is what could really be motivating his agitation.

“I suspect that he at one point played himself as a possible running mate to Atiku Abubakar, a wild ambition that may have gone a long way in destroying his public image. Greed and an overreaching ambition are the only explanations for how he ever persuaded himself that such a possibility existed.

“A man who can’t pull votes beyond himself can’t realistically be considered a valuable electoral asset. Whatever his shortcomings, Atiku would hardly risk what may be his final presidential bid on such a gamble.”

The human rights lawyer suggested that perhaps Okonkwo’s next port of call in politics should be the APC where his current disposition may find a warmer home.

He also alleged that Okonkwo’s fallout with the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, was due to his inability to secure a duplex he reportedly desired.

“I have heard it said that his relationship with Peter Obi went bad because Obi could not provide the duplex accommodation he allegedly wanted. Not sure if that’s right.

“However, if that is all it takes to garner the loyalty of some political actors, then President Tinubu’s camp may be well positioned to satisfy such expectations in return for vigorous marketing of an underperforming government.

In politics, convictions are not tested when comfort is assured, but when principles are costly.

The public should now be watching for a possible switch. After all, it is the same tongue that can deny anything he has ever said,” he added.

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A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has lambasted actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo for criticizing the choice of former Rivers State Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as the running mate to the party’s 2027 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Eze stated that he was not surprised by the “misguided and unfortunate trash” credited to Kenneth Okonkwo that he would no longer support Atiku because of his choice of Amaechi as his vice-presidential candidate.

Okonkwo’s decision was purported to be based on an official statement from the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, confirming that Atiku had picked Amaechi as his vice-presidential running mate.

Reacting to the development, Okonkwo had said any arrangement that would exclude the South-East from the top two executive positions in 2027 would be perpetuating what he called an unpardonable injustice against the Igbo people.

But former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP) and a close associate of Atiku and Amaechi, Eze, said Okonkwo was so “confused and overzealous that he thinks politics is the same as acting a script in the Nollywood industry.”

“The fact is that Amaechi’s selection as Atiku’s vice president did not make Barr. Okonkwo attacks Atiku in a non-exciting manner. He is a budding traitor, a man who talks out of both sides of his mouth.

“Okonkwo’s attack on Peter Obi, who is now a shadow of his former status as the best political leader in Nigeria, is an attack on his person and personality. He is scared of the N5 billion defamation suit slammed on him by Obi,” the ADC stalwart stated.

“After taking Peter Obi to the cleaners and resigning from Atiku’s camp, Okonkwo decided to abruptly retire from politics and dug his political grave,” Eze said.

“The truth is that Kenneth Okonkwo is a toothless, aimless, rabies-infested Ekeuke (local breed) dog on the loose. “He is a greenhorn, erratic and myopic on the dynamics of Nigeria’s politics,” Eze said, adding that Atiku does not need him to become the next President of Nigeria.

“Okonkwo is a lily-livered rolling stone, an emerging traitor without electoral value,” Eze said, adding, “Amaechi is Igbo, and his choice by Atiku as a running mate is the best option for the ADC and Nigeria.”

Amaechi is not only from a part of the South-South very close to the Igbo, but is also married to a woman from the South-East, Dame Judith Amaechi, Eze said.

“By our Igbo customs, Amaechi, having married an Igbo woman is automatically an adorable son of the South-East, the ADC chieftain said.

Okonkwo’s attempt to cast aspersion on Atiku’s relationship with the South-East does not hold water, he said, as his vice-presidential candidates have always been Igbo from the beginning of Atiku’s presidential aspiration.

“Senator Ben Obi of the Action Congress, Peter Obi and Senator Ifeanyi Okowa of the PDP are all Igbos. Now, so is Chibuike Amaechi. Therefore, Okonkwo’s argument is morally wrong and does not make sense logically.

“Besides, Amaechi’s credentials now are head and shoulders above all South-South and South-East politicians. “So, his choice is the best strategy to win the 2027 general election for the ADC and Nigeria,” Eze insisted.

Eze commended Atiku and Amaechi for joining hands to rescue Nigeria at this time, insisting that with the two “refined, tested and trusted democrats”, Aso Rock is in sight.

Recall that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, was recently disowned by Kenneth Okonkwo, who alleged the continued marginalization of the South-East geopolitical zone.

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The African Democratic Congress, ADC, primary elections are over and attention now turns to who will be the running mate of the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

Atiku had selected the current Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, as his running mate in 2019, and the former governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, as his running mate in the 2023 polls.

Few weeks ago, Atiku emerged as the flag bearer of the ADC after winning the highest votes in the party’s primary election.

He is said to be considering a move to the South-East with names like the Director General of the World Trade Organization, WTO, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha mentioned.

In the midst of those speculations, the Director of Politics at Arise News, Sumner Sambo had said Okonjo-Iweala distanced herself from such a move saying she was not willing to abandon her current post as WTO DG for a Nigerian political contest.

On March 1, 2021, Okonjo-Iweala became the first woman and the first African to head the world trade organization as DG of WTO.

She was appointed director-general for her second term in September 2023, and her term expires in 2029.

But Sambo said she had passed her position directly to the Atiku’s camp.

“Okonjo-Iweala is not willing to actually leave a lucrative job as DG of the World Trade Organisation to actually consider that,” Sambo said.

“She has let it be known to them and that is understandable because she has just come back in September last year and she has got tenure that will go for a second term until 2029.”

Emeka Ihedioha

One of the names that dominated is the immediate past governor of Imo State and a former Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Ihedioha, who is also a member of the ADC, is believed to be among those the former Vice President is quietly assessing as his likely running mate.

South South connection with Amaechi

While there are speculations that Atiku is eyeing the Southeast, there are claims that he has extended his searchlight to the South South region.

Atiku is said to be considering another presidential aspirant, the former Minister of Transportation and two-term governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi.

The ADC presidential candidate met Amaechi in closed door meeting on Monday but details of the meeting were never made public.

But some think it has everything to do with the choice of Atiku’s running mate.

APC chieftain, Eli: Southeast running mate will not get Atiku votes

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Sogbeye Eli, has said that picking a running mate from the Southeast will not earn Atiku many votes in 2027 due to the influence of Obi in the region.

“Atiku has no space for votes from a vice-presidential candidate from both the South-East and South-West,” he said in an interview.

Dele Momodu declares himself Atiku’s running mate

Amid the political uncertainty, a chieftain of the ADC and former presidential candidate, Dele Momodu had posted a flyer on his social media page where he was portrayed as Atiku’s running mate.

Momodu wrote alongside the flyer: “The Attraction of Atiku Abubakar/Dele Momodu ticket”, “The right choice for a greater Nigeria.”

Spare tyre will not determine Atiku’s choice of running mate – Aide

Reacting to the speculations, Atiku’s Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said the ADC presidential candidate would choose his running mate based on competence and not on the usual basis of “spare tyre.”

Speaking with Shaibu said: “It is far too early to speculate on specific regions or individuals regarding the Vice Presidential slot.

“That decision will ultimately be driven by what best serves the national interest and strengthens the mission of rescuing Nigeria.

“What I can assure you is that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar knows the great task of leadership. He knows that Nigeria today requires a competent, experienced and capable team.

So I do not expect the selection of a running mate to be based on symbolism or the outdated notion of a ‘spare tyre.’ Nigeria needs a governing team not a sole administrator.

“The Vice President must be someone who can make a significant contribution to governance, policy formulation, economic management, national cohesion and the overall task of rebuilding the country.

“When the time comes, Nigerians will see a decision based on merit, capacity and national interest.”

Atiku’s best option for choosing running mate is from Southeast – Lawyer

A lawyer, Maduabuchi Idam, added his voice to the debate, saying if Atiku wants national cohesion and political balance, choosing his running mate from the Southeast is his “strongest option”.

Idam said Atiku may pose a serious challenge to Obi’s presidential ambition if he chooses a running mate from the Southeast.

“If the objectives are equity, national cohesion and political balance in the event of victory, then Atiku’s best choice may be to pick a running mate from the South-East.

“The South-East would need meaningful representation in his administration to make them feel included and part of the nation.

Any northern presidential ticket without a South-East representation is likely to be greeted with criticism and apathy by a large chunk of the South-East electorate.

“Further, if Atiku is serious about challenging the influence of Peter Obi in the region, choosing a running mate from the South-East could be a strategic necessity.

“Without such a move, it may be difficult to secure the constitutionally required spread of votes, including a substantial share from the region in the 2027 elections.

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Babachir Lawal, a former secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has asserted that he has proof that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) primary election was rigged.

According to reports, he made the assertion in an appearance with the Channels Television program “Politics Today.”

Lawal claims that he observed the drill while in the field.

He asserted that the statements made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s supporters were untrue and added that a criminal would not own that he was a thief.

Remember that I served as the National Vice Chairman (Northeast). I have proof because I was on the field during the drill.

By attempting to downplay their actions, Atiku’s people are the ones who are lying. All of us are human. We are aware of their actions.

He stated, “I knew the primary was rigged at the time it was completed and the results were announced.”

Lawal, meantime, has denied allegations that he took money from Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, an African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate.

Lawal reportedly clarified this during an interview on Channels TV in response to claims made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s supporters that Hayatu-Deen had financial influence on him.

He maintains that he did not receive any money from the ADC candidate and claims the accusation is unfounded.

He insisted that rather than looking for help elsewhere, he could just contact President Bola Tinubu if he ever needed financial support.

The former SGF also questioned the veracity of the accusation, requesting evidence that he and Hayatu-Deen ever exchanged money. He claimed that no proof had been offered to back up the assertion.

Lawal claimed that his endorsement of Hayatu-Deen was based on the candidate’s aptitude for leadership rather than financial gain. He claimed that Hayatu-Deen’s position was informed by his competence and experience.

“I’ll call President Tinubu if I need money right now, and I’ll get it before I get home,” he declared.

Hayatu-Deen doesn’t have any money to donate. Tell me who was present when he handed me the cash. Perhaps he hasn’t delivered it yet. I’ll go get it. It’s not about money, I assure you. Hayatu-Deen was a man who offered his expertise and assistance. Atiku is not as skilled as Hayatu-Deen. They can’t even be in the same boat.

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According to Sumner Sambo, Director of Politics at Arise News, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), is unwilling to resign from her current role to run alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Speaking on The Morning Show on Monday, Sambo made the statement while discussing current political rumors in advance of the general elections in 2027.

He claims that even though Okonjo-Iweala might be given the position, she is unwilling to give up what he described as a lucrative job at the WTO, where she is presently serving a second term that ends in 2029.

He went on to say that it would be improbable that she would abandon a well-secured international position for a political campaign in Nigeria, particularly one that he claimed is still dealing with political and legal ambiguities.

“Well, from what I’ve heard recently, Ngozi Okonjo-Iwela may be considered and all that, but she’s not willing to actually leave a lucrative job as a DJ of the World Trade Organization to actually consider that,” he remarked.

She has informed them of this, which makes sense given that she only returned to office in September of last year and will serve a second term through 2029.

As a vice presidential candidate for a party that is currently facing legal difficulties, what will she be doing, you know? She would not consider the offer, in my opinion, since she already has a solid term there.

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Sumner Sambo, journalist at Arise Television, has said the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, is not considering being the running mate of the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, for the 2027 election.

Sambo disclosed this on Monday while speaking on Arise Television’s ‘The Morning Show’ on the ongoing political speculation that Okonjo is Atiku’s vice-presidential candidate.

Sambo, however, said that Mrs Okonjo-Iweala was not ready to leave a lucrative position at the WTO where she is currently serving a second term which ends in 2029.

It was improbable, he said, that Okonjo would sacrifice a secured international appointment for a political contest in Nigeria, particularly an election still embroiled in legal and political uncertainties.

“Well, from the latest I have heard Ngozi Okonjo-Iwela, though she may be considered and all of that, she is not willing to actually leave a lucrative job as a DG of the World Trade Organisation to actually consider that.

“She has made it known to them, and that is understandable because she just resumed in September last year, and she has a tenure that will run for a second term till 2029.

“So what is she going to be doing, you know, as a vice presidential candidate of a party that’s still in court, facing challenges. I think she’s already got a secure term there and wouldn’t consider the offer.”

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Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has expressed doubt on the electoral strength of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking in an interview with Symfoni TV, Bwala said he was worried that Peter Obi, who is expected to fly the flag of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), could attract more votes than Atiku in the next general election.

He said another possibility that worries him is the chance of Atiku finishing far behind other contenders in the race.

He said that would affect the legacy of the former vice president’s political career, especially if it’s his last run for the presidency.

It was reported that Bwala pointed to the difference between the political support base of Atiku in 2023 and the situation ahead of 2027.

He said that in the last presidential election, Atiku had the backing of several governors, senators and members of the House of Representatives within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“But the political environment is not the same now. Atiku does not have the same support of powerful political figures,” he said.

No governor is currently standing behind the former vice president, he said, as the preparations for the next election gradually pick up.

“I fear Peter Obi might get more votes than Atiku Abubakar in the 2027 election and my other fear is that he might come a distant fourth.

“If that happens, his legacy as a politician in his last attempt could be impacted.

“The PDP has some governors, senators and Reps who stood by him in the 2023 election but, as at now, there is not one governor supporting him.

“The fact is that Atiku Abubakar has never in his political career commanded more votes from the North-West.

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Former vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Datti Baba-Ahmed has described his former principal, Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar as not opposition leaders but office seekers.

Baba-Ahmed made the statement on Thursday while responding to questions on Trust TV.

He was talking about the upcoming 2027 general elections and the prospects of the opposition political parties.

“Peter Obi was my boss and he still remains my boss. We still have a good relationship and I hope we can somehow do something together in the very near future.

“Because I would rather move away from the individuals, speak about the variables in Nigeria politics. The variables is that most of us refer to them as opposition.

“Peter Obi and Atiku are not opposition, but mere office seekers. Opposition is active, actually technically taking on the mis-ruling government every action. You come out not only when it is time to seek certain office.

“Left to me, from right about 2023, Peter Obi and everybody else should have continued that tempo I started about constitutional breach.

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Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has described the reported dispatch of government officials with bags of rice and other palliatives to the families of Oyo kidnap victims as cruel, morally bankrupt, and an open confession of failure.

This was contained in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.

Any government that cannot protect school children has failed one of the most basic tests of leadership,” he warned.

Atiku called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately deploy all security and intelligence agencies to ensure the unconditional release of the schoolchildren and their teachers.

“The cruelty of such a response is hard to understand. Parents whose children have been ripped from their arms are not asking for rice. Mothers who don’t know if their children are hungry, sick, traumatised or even alive are not asking for palliatives.

“Dads who wake up every morning praying for a phone call to tell them their kids are safe at home aren’t looking for handouts. “What these families need is something to be done.” They need leadership. “What they need is a government that can save their children and bring the criminals responsible to justice.

“The abduction is another tragic reminder that under the Tinubu administration, insecurity has become a way of life and no longer an emergency, the former Vice President said.

What an indictment of this government that while criminals operate with impunity and impudence, innocent school kids are abducted from their classrooms and the official response is rice distribution. This is no governance. This is a failure of accountability. “It is a sad admission of failure by an administration that is becoming more and more overwhelmed by the very responsibilities it promised to undertake,” added Atiku.

He warned that normalising insecurity had pushed Nigeria to a dangerous reality where citizens lived in constant fear, noting that many Nigerian parents now budget for ransom as they budget for school fees.

“There must be consequences for those preying on innocent Nigerians. “Anything less than that will only embolden other criminal gangs and put more communities at risk,” warned Atiku.

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