The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has commenced high-level nationwide consultations to select a vice-presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Sources close to the campaign confirmed that the search is active, urgent, and remains unresolved, as the former vice president personally leads discussions with key political stakeholders across the southern region of the country.
Atiku Secures ADC Ticket
Atiku, 79, emerged as the ADC presidential candidate after securing 1,855,787 votes in the party’s primary election.
He defeated former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, who polled 509,397 votes, while former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen secured 180,903 votes.
With the primary concluded, attention within the opposition coalition has shifted to the selection of a running mate, a decision political observers regard as one of the most critical strategic moves for the campaign.
Amaechi Remains Strong Contender
Sources disclosed that Amaechi remains one of the leading figures under consideration despite publicly denying reports that he had been offered the vice-presidential slot.
Supporters of his candidacy argue that his extensive political experience, including two terms as governor of Rivers State and his national political profile, could strengthen the ticket’s appeal in the South-South and across the Niger Delta.
However, insiders say some members of the campaign remain cautious due to Amaechi’s dissatisfaction with the conduct and outcome of the ADC primary election.
Donald Duke Gains Momentum
Another prominent figure under consideration is former Cross River State governor, Donald Duke, who joined the ADC in January 2026 after leaving the PDP.
Sources within the Atiku camp said Duke’s administrative record, institutional credibility, and relatively low political baggage have made him an attractive option.
Duke served as governor between 1999 and 2007 and is widely credited with implementing developmental initiatives during his tenure.
Nonetheless, some campaign loyalists have raised concerns over his previous public comments questioning Atiku’s repeated presidential ambitions, an issue reportedly still under consideration.
South-East Also Under Serious Consideration
Beyond the South-South, Atiku’s camp is reportedly exploring options in the South-East, a region viewed as politically significant following its strong voter mobilisation in recent elections.
Sources told Daily Sun that consultations involving prominent South-East politicians are ongoing, though still at an early stage.
Among the names being evaluated is former Imo State governor, Emeka Ihedioha.
Ihedioha, whose tenure was cut short by a Supreme Court ruling in 2020, is said to enjoy considerable goodwill across the region. Some of Atiku’s allies reportedly believe his selection could energise the South-East electorate while presenting minimal political liabilities nationally.
Following a Familiar Pattern
The ongoing search reflects a pattern that has characterised Atiku’s previous presidential campaigns.
In 2019, he selected Peter Obi from the South-East as his running mate under the PDP. In 2023, he chose Ifeanyi Okowa from the South-South.
Current deliberations are similarly focused on candidates from the South-East and South-South, with no indication that the South-West is under active consideration despite its significant electoral influence.
Leadership Dispute Adds Pressure
As consultations continue, the ADC is also grappling with a factional leadership crisis that has found its way to the courts, adding further pressure to a campaign already operating within tight political timelines.
Party insiders insist that the vice-presidential selection process remains fluid and that no final decision has been reached.
Tags: #AtikuAbubakar #ADC #2027Elections #RotimiAmaechi #DonaldDuke #EmekaIhedioha #VicePresidentialCandidate #NigeriaPolitics #SouthEast #SouthSouth #PresidentialRace #OppositionCoalition #Election2027
