Emerging signals from Nigeria’s evolving opposition coalition, championed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, suggest that former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi is being considered as a potential consensus presidential flagbearer for 2027.
This development reportedly stems from concerns over Obi’s firm stance on running again with his 2023 running mate, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed.
Amaechi, who recently turned 60, subtly hinted at his presidential aspirations during a birthday lecture, where he disclosed having informed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of his refusal to support his 2023 candidacy due to doubts about Tinubu’s unifying capabilities—a stance he believes has been justified by events of the past two years.
A source within the coalition’s steering committee revealed that Amaechi’s birthday lecture, themed “Weaponising Hunger,” was kept exclusive due to its sensitive political undertones.
The source indicated ongoing efforts to persuade Atiku to withdraw from the 2027 race, while Obi remains insistent on running with Baba-Ahmed.
“With time running out and both Atiku and Obi showing no signs of backing down, some of us believe we need a third option,” the source explained, adding that Amaechi, who placed second in the APC presidential primaries, is seen as a viable alternative with broad appeal.
It was also hinted that the former President Muhammadu Buhari camp within the APC prefers Amaechi over both Atiku and Obi and that Amaechi’s potential presidency might be limited to a single term, aligning with reported pledges by Atiku and Obi.
Meanwhile, Dr. Umar Ardo, co-convener of the League of Northern Democrats (LND), confirmed discussions about forming a new political party as a neutral platform for the coalition, dismissing suggestions that it’s designed to favour Atiku’s ambition.
Ardo, a 2023 Adamawa State governorship candidate, cautioned against merging with existing parties like the SDP or ADC due to structural challenges and potential manipulation.
He emphasised that a new platform would ensure control and prevent “systemic sabotage.” While acknowledging Atiku’s preference for existing parties, Ardo clarified that his support for a new platform doesn’t equate to endorsing Atiku’s presidential bid.
Political analyst Dr. Katch Ononuju stressed that Obi’s right to contest in 2027 is non-negotiable for the coalition’s cohesion.
Should the coalition succeed in registering a new party, tentatively named the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), observers will be watching to see if Atiku and Obi pursue separate bids under existing parties while Amaechi potentially emerges as ADA’s flagbearer.
