Obi or Amaechi? Atiku Allies Begin Intense 2027 Consultations

Allies of Atiku Abubakar within the African Democratic Party have intensified behind-the-scenes consultations aimed at selecting a southern running mate for the 2027 presidential race, with attention firmly on Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi as leading contenders.

Multiple party insiders confirm that Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, remains the preferred option. Discussions with him are ongoing, though his acceptance is far from certain. Should he decline, strategists around Atiku say Amaechi could become the alternative, setting up a potentially significant political realignment.

Political strategist and Atiku ally, Dele Momodu, told reporters that a renewed alliance between Atiku and Obi would represent the strongest possible opposition pairing against President Bola Tinubu. “Atiku and Obi remain the most credible combination capable of dislodging the ruling structure,” he said. “If Peter Obi does not take advantage of a ready-made union between him and Atiku, it would be very unfortunate. It would be as good as working for Tinubu to come back.”

Momodu revealed that he has held several meetings with Obi in Lagos and Ghana, urging him to forge a united front with Atiku. He also noted obstacles coming from within Obi’s support base. “Some of his supporters don’t want any strong opposition from the opposite direction. But there is no way any Southern candidate can defeat Tinubu alone,” he said.

If Obi hesitates for too long, Momodu believes the choice may naturally shift to former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi. “A lot of people are underrating Amaechi,” he said. “Amaechi mobilised more than any other person for Buhari, even more than Tinubu. If Obi does not make up his mind or chooses to run alone, then I believe the mantle might fall on Rotimi Amaechi.”

Despite the pressure, the Obidient Movement insists Obi remains focused on running in 2027. Its national coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, said the movement is open to dialogue but expects clarity from Atiku’s camp. “It all depends on what terms they want Obi to team up with them,” he said. “Nigerians need a president who has the mobility and depth to understand what is wrong with the country. When we team up, there must be a clear dimension to what we are doing.”

Tanko argued that the South should retain the presidency in 2027. “We must understand that the Presidency is already in the South. We need to give support to Mr Peter Obi to complete the four years of the South. This is the continuation we need this time,” he said, adding that Obi remains committed to running a single term if elected.

On the other side of the equation, aides close to Amaechi say he is interested in pursuing the ADC presidential ticket himself, though political realities may force strategic compromises. One senior associate, who requested anonymity, stressed that the situation is fluid. “Amaechi’s eye is on the presidential ticket. But politics is dynamic; a lot will change as we approach the primary. Discussion about a vice presidential offer is not yet ripe,” he said.

Another ally was more candid. “We have to be honest with ourselves: can Amaechi beat Atiku in the primary? If that is not a possibility, going for a deal before the primary may not be bad. Accepting Atiku’s running mate position may not be a bad idea.”

He also questioned whether Obi would challenge Atiku in the ADC. “With what you’re seeing, will Obi run the primary against Atiku? And if he can’t get the ADC ticket, I don’t see him accepting a running mate slot. That is why he is delaying his move. But we will have a better picture next year, and Amaechi is the best option for Atiku as running mate.”

Amaechi’s media aide, David Iyofor, declined to comment when contacted, while senior figures in the ADC—including National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi—were unreachable.