Barely a week after the African Democratic Congress (ADC) announced former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi as the running mate to the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, signs of internal discord have emerged over the vice-presidential nomination ahead of the 2027 general election.
Party insiders say disagreements have surfaced between supporters of Atiku and loyalists of Amaechi, with some members of the former vice president’s camp reportedly pushing for a replacement of the vice-presidential nominee.
The dispute has cast a shadow over what party leaders had presented as a united front following the June 5 announcement by ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi that Amaechi had been selected as Atiku’s running mate. Abdullahi described the partnership as a “unity and rescue” ticket aimed at challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
However, sources within the party said resistance to Amaechi’s nomination emerged shortly after the announcement, particularly among politicians aligned with Atiku. Critics reportedly argue that Amaechi’s candidacy is being promoted by influential figures associated with former President Muhammadu Buhari’s political bloc within the APC.
Some members of Atiku’s camp have also expressed concerns about Amaechi’s independent political style, fearing it could limit the influence of key allies within a potential administration.
A former senior official in the Buhari administration, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, said tensions intensified after some ADC leaders allegedly pressured Atiku to accept conditions proposed by Amaechi and his supporters, including a significant role in managing the party’s presidential campaign structure.
Despite the reported disagreements, neither Atiku nor Amaechi has publicly commented on the controversy.
Sources familiar with the matter said some of Amaechi’s supporters have urged him to pursue legal action challenging the ADC presidential primary if his nomination is not formally uploaded to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal by June 27.
The reports have fueled speculation about divisions within the opposition party at a time when it is seeking to consolidate support ahead of the next election cycle.
Atiku Camp Dismisses Crisis Reports
Amid growing speculation, Atiku’s camp sought to downplay suggestions of a rift between the two politicians.
In a post on X, Atiku’s media aide, Abdulrasheed Shehu, said the delay in formally unveiling Amaechi as the vice-presidential candidate was due to Atiku’s travel schedule rather than disagreements within the party.
“Atiku/Amaechi is settled,” Shehu wrote. “His Excellency is on a short business trip. Once he returns, Amaechi will be officially unveiled as the VP candidate in a few days. Stop posting fake news.”
The statement came in response to social media claims that Amaechi had yet to accept the party’s offer and that internal disagreements were delaying the formal announcement.
Katsina ADC Chieftain Warns of Growing Discontent
Meanwhile, concerns over internal party disputes have extended beyond the presidential ticket.
In Katsina State, ADC chieftain and former Secretary to the State Government, Mustapha Inuwa, warned that unresolved disagreements surrounding the party’s governorship candidate selection process were eroding confidence among supporters.
Speaking during a meeting with his supporters in Katsina, Inuwa accused party leaders of failing to address complaints raised about the conduct of the governorship primaries.
According to him, repeated efforts to seek clarification from the party leadership have yielded no response, prompting renewed consultations with stakeholders and supporters.
“The party that people have confidence and hope in is the party that is starting with this kind of mess. It is really unfortunate,” Inuwa said. “People are disappointed. People are beginning to lose hope in ADC.”
His remarks underscore broader concerns about party unity as the ADC attempts to position itself as a major opposition force ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political analysts say the emerging disputes could test the party’s ability to maintain cohesion and project stability, particularly as it seeks to attract voters dissatisfied with Nigeria’s major political parties.
While ADC leaders have publicly insisted that the Atiku-Amaechi ticket remains intact, the unresolved tensions over nominations and internal party processes highlight challenges that could complicate the party’s efforts to build momentum before the next presidential election.
