Atiku May Choose Amaechi As Running Mate If Obi Hesitates – Momodu Warns

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s faction within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has begun scouting for a southern running mate for the 2027 presidential election.

According to Sunday Punch, the bloc has zeroed in on Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate. However, if Obi declines, Atiku is reportedly considering former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi.

Veteran journalist and Atiku ally, Dele Momodu, urged Obi to seize the opportunity and form a powerful opposition alliance with Atiku to unseat the ruling party. Momodu described the potential partnership as the strongest political union Nigeria could see since the 2019 elections.

Atiku and Obi had previously run on a joint People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ticket in 2019 but were defeated by then-President Muhammadu Buhari.

Momodu expressed frustration over resistance from Obi’s supporters, whom he blamed for delaying the potential alliance. He said, “That is why some are trying to field only southern candidates—they fear a strong northern-southern opposition. No southern candidate alone can defeat Tinubu. I’ve met with Peter Obi multiple times in Lagos and Ghana. If he does not capitalize on a ready-made union with Atiku, it would be politically unfortunate. It would be akin to helping Tinubu return.”

Warning that hesitation could cost Obi a key political opportunity, Momodu noted that Amaechi remains a formidable option. He said, “Amaechi is often underestimated. He was instrumental in delivering power to Buhari. While Nyesom Wike’s current mobilization is chaotic, Amaechi excelled as Rivers State governor and rallied more support for Buhari than even Tinubu. If Obi hesitates or chooses to run independently, Atiku may turn to Rotimi Amaechi.”

On efforts to bring both figures together politically, Momodu added, “I’ve told Obi there’s no time to waste. The person they aim to defeat is already in power, consolidating influence among governors and senators, and crafting a narrative of invincibility. Despite their maneuvers in 2023, they lost Lagos to Obi and Osun to Governor Adeleke. Obi must decide soon. At present, his political home is uncertain—PDP is faltering, LP is weakened. Where will he go?”