Shocking Revelation: Atiku Abubakar Almost Chose Okonjo-Iweala as Running Mate
The selection of Rotimi Amaechi as Atiku Abubakar's running mate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was marked by intricate internal political maneuvering. Initial considerations heavily favored South-East candidates like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Liyel Imoke, but ultimately, party elders intervened to ensure unity, leading to Amaechi's confirmation.
The selection of a running mate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC)'s presidential candidate, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, was reportedly fraught with last-minute intrigues despite the formal announcement of former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi. Insiders within the party revealed details of the complex process that culminated in Amaechi's choice, particularly concerning the forthcoming 2027 race.
Initially, some close associates of Atiku Abubakar advocated for selecting a running mate from the South-East zone, believing it to be the most strategic choice for the 2027 elections. Several prominent names from this region were put forward for consideration, including Senator Ben Obi, Hon Emeka Ihedioha, and the former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. This push for a South-Eastern candidate was partly driven by the belief that a strong name from the region was essential, especially in the absence of Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, on a joint ticket with Atiku.
A significant part of the intrigue involved an orchestrated effort to draft Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala into the race. A delegation, led by a top chieftain from the North-East, reportedly visited her during her recent birthday celebration. While the visit was framed as a birthday felicitation, its true purpose was to brief her on the political development and the party's agenda. However, sources indicated that Okonjo-Iweala remained non-committal on the proposition, advising the team to consult widely across Nigeria before making a definitive choice.
As discussions progressed, an alternative candidate emerged if a South-East option proved unfeasible: Senator Liyel Imoke, a long-standing ally of Atiku and former governor of Cross River State, located in the South-South region. Imoke was seen by some party stakeholders as a strong figure who could rally support for the ADC candidate in his region. Throughout these internal deliberations, Atiku Abubakar was reported to have maintained close communication with Rotimi Amaechi.
Ultimately, a decisive intervention from party elders guided the final decision. They advised against any moves that could potentially cause further division within the party. Following this counsel, the ADC resolved to select Rotimi Amaechi. His qualifications were highlighted, including his second-place finish in the primary election, his standing as a prominent candidate from the South, and his experience as a former chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum and former Minister of Transportation. This decision, influenced by the need for unity, cemented Amaechi's position as Atiku's running mate.