Amaechi argued that presenting a Northerner might backfire because Southerners believe power ought to remain in the South in 2027.
By Kehinde Okeowo
A former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has urged the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to consider selecting a Southern presidential candidate for the 2027 election, warning that a Northern candidate will be a “hard sell” in the South.
He gave the advice in Kano while responding to journalists’ questions regarding whether he would support any candidate produced by the ADC.
The former Rivers State governor, while committing to supporting the party’s candidate during the 2027 polls, stressed that smart decisions are required to improve the party’s image and secure more votes.
“I will support whoever emerges. I also advise the ADC to look around and find the best material—someone who can show Nigerians that things will start to improve,” he said.
He added that the ADC must focus on three vital factors when selecting its presidential candidate: ability, age, and the current balance of power in the country.
“First is capacity. Second is age. Third, and most importantly, is to respect the unspoken rule regarding the rotation of power that exists in the South,” Amaechi stated.
He noted that recognising the current shift in power would make it easier for politicians and voters in the South to support the party.
“They should finish that process and then pass control to the North. It makes it easier for people from the South to say they are going to compete because the North has already said, ‘Finish all this.’”
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Amaechi also said fielding a candidate from the North when many Southerners believe power should remain in the South might diminish the ADC’s popularity in the region.
“If you choose someone from the North, I’m not saying we won’t campaign, but it will be difficult to convince the South to give up power. They will ask the North, ‘Why is it that a problem only arises when power comes to the South?’”
Amaechi reiterated his commitment to party unity, stating he would back the eventual ADC presidential candidate regardless of their region of origin.
“Whether someone is from the South or the North does not matter to me; I will support whoever emerges from the primary,” he said.
He also pledged that, should he emerge as the party’s candidate, he would serve only a single four-year term to allow power to shift back to the North.
Despite his advice, ADC chieftain and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is a Northerner, remains one of the frontrunners for the party’s presidential ticket.
Additionally, the former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, recently assured members that the party will not zone its presidential slot, adding that all aspirants will be given the opportunity to compete.
