Barely 24 hours after emerging the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress for the 2027 general election, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar paid a visit the former governor of Rivers state, Rotimi Amaechi.
Atiku who posted on his X handle after visiting Amaechi at his Abuja residence on Thursday, , disclosed that his recent meeting with Amaechi focused on Nigeria’s worsening economic, security challenges and the urgent need for patriotic leaders to work together to rescue the country.
He said they held what he described as “deep and honest conversations” about the nation’s direction.
He wrote, .“Beyond the warmth and camaraderie, we had deep and honest conversations about the troubling state of our nation, the growing economic pain, insecurity, and the urgent responsibility on patriotic Nigerians to continue engaging in the search for solutions that can rescue our country from drift and despair”
He also used the visit to celebrate Amaechi’s birthday, adding a touch of football banter to the meeting by teasing the former Minister of Transportation over Arsenal’s recent triumph.
Atiku described Amaechi as “a thoroughly well-loaded Gunner,” noting that the former governor received the joke in good spirits.
The former vice president further disclosed that Amaechi promised to host him again with a local delicacy, Fisherman Soup, during a return visit..
Recall that at the party’s primary election held at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, Atiku defeated Amaechi and former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen to clinch the ticket.
Official results released by the party showed that Atiku polled 1,846,370 votes, while Amaechi secured 504,117 votes and Hayatu-Deen garnered 177,120 votes.
Following his victory, the party leadership led by former Senate President David Mark presented the party’s flag to Atiku, who immediately appealed to both Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen to join hands with him ahead of the 2027 polls.
However, Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen reportedly rejected the outcome of the primary, alleging irregularities in the voting process.
