The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declined to confirm reports that its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has chosen former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as his running mate.
The reports, published by several media organisations in recent days, claimed that Atiku had settled for Amaechi, a former Rivers State governor, as his vice-presidential nominee.
CityNews understands that Amaechi came second behind Atiku in the recently concluded ADC presidential primary.
When contacted on Saturday, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said he could not confirm the reports.
“I don’t have that confirmation. I cannot confirm for you at this time,” Abdullahi said during a telephone interview with Premium Times.
Asked whether the process of selecting a running mate was still ongoing, the ADC spokesperson declined to provide further details.
“All I can tell you is that I don’t have information. You asked me to confirm something, and I have said I don’t have information in that regard,” he said.
Abdullahi, however, said the party would eventually announce a vice-presidential candidate.
“Definitely we will have a running mate. But to confirm specifically the question you asked me, I’m not able to confirm now. If I have any further information, I will let you know,” he added.
Speculation over a possible Atiku-Amaechi ticket has intensified since the conclusion of the ADC presidential primary, which Atiku won ahead of Amaechi and other aspirants.
Reports suggested that the former vice-president had opted for a North-East/South-South combination ahead of the 2027 election, with Atiku from Adamawa State and Amaechi from Rivers State.
Eze Cautions Party Members
The speculation gained more attention after ADC chieftain, Chukwuemeka Eze, dismissed claims that Amaechi had rejected a possible vice-presidential offer.
Eze was reacting to comments attributed to party stalwart, Dele Momodu, suggesting that the former transportation minister was unwilling to accept the vice-presidential position.
In a statement, Eze said there was no basis to conclude that Amaechi had turned down any offer.
He said the former minister only stated after the party’s primary that no one had approached him about the position.
Eze cautioned party members against speculation that could create tension or misunderstanding within the ADC.
