Atiku Abubakar visited Rotimi Amaechi in what sources say was a move to consolidate support as three heavyweights battle for the African Democratic Congress presidential ticket ahead of 2027.
The former Vice President, Amaechi, and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-deen are the main contenders vying for the ADC's nomination. The party has become a focal point for politicians seeking alternatives to the ruling All Progressives Congress and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.
Atiku's visit to Amaechi, a former Rivers State governor and minister of transportation, signals the intensity of maneuvering within ADC circles. Such visits typically precede formal alliance-building or negotiations over ticket arrangements. The two men have crossed paths in Nigerian politics for years, though their relationship has shifted depending on electoral cycles and political alignments.
Hayatu-deen, who made his name in the private sector before entering politics, has also been actively positioning himself as a consensus candidate. His campaign has centred on a technocratic approach to governance, contrasting with the political credentials of both Atiku and Amaechi.
The ADC, which emerged as a serious political force in recent years, has been wooing disaffected members from larger parties. The contest for its 2027 presidential ticket reflects broader realignments in Nigerian politics as the 2027 election cycle intensifies. Party insiders expect the nomination process to be fiercely contested, with each candidate leveraging their networks and financial resources.
The party has not announced a date for its presidential primary. When it does, the three aspirants will face delegates who hold the power to determine the ADC's flag-bearer. Such primaries often turn on deals struck behind closed doors, though public campaigns and media appearances also matter.
Observers note that Atiku's visit to Amaechi, and any similar moves by the other candidates, will shape how the race unfolds. The outcome could alter the dynamics of the 2027 presidential election itself, particularly if one of these candidates emerges as a credible third force.
