● Ignores Amaechi, eyes South-East ally for 2027 race after Obi’s exit to NDC
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has opened consultations for a running mate, with ex-Imo governor Emeka Ihedioha emerging as the frontrunner for the African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential ticket ahead of 2027.
Atiku clinched ADC’s presidential ticket on Wednesday, though fellow contestants Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen have rejected the primary as “neither free, fair, nor credible”. Atiku has since called on both to join him in “rescuing the country” from the ruling APC.
—South-East joker card—
Investigations show Atiku and top ADC allies are looking South-East for the VP slot. The region is viewed as his “natural political ally” and strategically vital for 2027.
The position was reportedly reserved for Peter Obi before he quit ADC for the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC. Obi was Atiku’s running mate in 2019 on PDP, but both lost to late President Buhari. In 2023 they split, with Obi on Labour Party and Atiku on PDP, while Tinubu won.
Now, Ihedioha is tipped to fill that void. The former deputy speaker and 2019 Imo governor-elect was sworn in May 29, 2019 but removed by the Supreme Court in January 2020. He stayed in ADC while many South-East politicians followed Obi to NDC, and sources say he “played a major role in delivering the region” for Atiku at the recent primary.
“He actually played a major role in ensuring that the region was delivered for the former vice president,” a senior ADC source told LEADERSHIP Sunday.
—Amaechi ruled out—
Amaechi, who lost the ADC primary, has insisted he stands by his “concocted results” comment and said no one has offered him the VP slot. Atiku’s camp confirmed it.
“Naturally, Atiku is looking towards the South-East for a running mate,” a source said. “Amaechi might have been considered if he had control of his region or even his state. It would amount to political suicide to pick someone who may not even be able to deliver his ward.”
Atiku visited Amaechi in Abuja after the primary but, sources say, never discussed the running mate position.
—INEC deadline looms—
Atiku’s Special Adviser Paul Ibe told LEADERSHIP Sunday consultations are ongoing and ADC will meet INEC’s Aug 29, 2026 deadline for submitting presidential candidates. Ibe ruled out Amaechi but declined to confirm or deny Ihedioha’s chances: “On the other names being mentioned, I do not want to speculate.”
INEC sources say the timetable remains valid despite court disputes over its authority.
With Obi leading NDC and Atiku now weighing Ihedioha for ADC, the South-East is set to be the battleground for running mate politics in 2027.
[Adapted/rejigged Leadership report]
