The race for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket took a defined shape over the weekend as former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi rejected an appeal from Peter Obi to withdraw from the 2027 contest.
Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, led a delegation to Amaechi’s Abuja residence on Saturday in an effort to secure the former Rivers governor’s backing. The delegation included former Imo governor Achike Udenwa and Senator Victor Umeh.
However, Amaechi was not persuaded. According to sources familiar with the meeting, the former minister made it clear he has no intention of stepping aside for anyone.
Amaechi’s position is that he wants a competitive primary where candidates test their popularity at the ballot box. His stance contradicts any suggestion of a consensus arrangement within the ADC.
Speaking to Channels Television prior to the meeting, Amaechi had already signaled his position. He argued that all other aspirants including Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar are pursuing regional interests, while he alone offers a national appeal.
“They are all regional candidates, but I am not a regional candidate,” Amaechi said in that interview.
Conflicting accounts have emerged about what transpired during Saturday’s closed-door session. One camp insists Obi made a direct appeal for Amaechi to step aside. Amaechi’s ally, Chief Eze Eze, confirmed that the former minister “politely rejected” any such request, noting that Amaechi’s ambition is serious and not mere political grandstanding.
However, Obi’s media office offered a different version. In a statement signed by Ibrahim Umar, the camp said Obi never begged anyone to step down. Instead, Obi merely informed Amaechi of his intention to run for the ADC ticket and asked for support.
Amaechi reportedly responded that he too remains in the race. Both men allegedly agreed to work together for the party’s interest.
Another source painted a sharper picture, telling Discoverer Nigeria that Amaechi was furious at Obi’s request to step aside and insisted the primary must be keenly contested to produce a genuinely acceptable flagbearer.
The ADC has become an unexpected battleground for opposition heavyweights. Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso have all found their way onto the platform, alongside Amaechi. Party primaries are scheduled between April 23 and May 30, leaving little time for deal-making.
Amaechi has previously stated that while he opposes consensus, he would support whoever wins the ticket if he loses, and expects the same courtesy from others if he emerges victorious.
For now, the former minister remains in the race, and the ADC primary is set to be a contested affair.
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