Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has cautioned that the African Democratic Congress may face difficulty persuading voters in southern Nigeria if it presents a northern presidential candidate in the next general election.
Amaechi gave the warning while speaking in Kano, where he responded to questions about his support for whoever emerges as the party’s flagbearer.
He affirmed his loyalty to the ADC but stressed the need for strategic decision-making to improve the party’s national acceptance and electoral prospects.
According to him, the party must carefully evaluate key factors such as competence, generational considerations, and prevailing political dynamics before settling for a candidate.
He noted that the current power rotation sentiment in the country favours the South, and ignoring it could complicate the party’s outreach in the region.
Amaechi argued that recognising this political reality would make it easier for southern politicians and voters to rally behind the party.
He warned that presenting a northern candidate at a time when many southerners believe power should remain in the South could weaken the ADC’s appeal and create resistance.
Despite these concerns, the former Rivers State governor reiterated his commitment to party unity, pledging to support whoever emerges as the presidential candidate at the primaries, regardless of region.
Amaechi, who has already indicated interest in contesting the ADC presidential ticket, had earlier proposed a single four-year tenure if elected, to allow a return of power to the North in line with the country’s informal zoning arrangement.
Similarly, former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, now aligned with the ADC, has also expressed willingness to serve a single term if given the opportunity, citing respect for the rotational principle.
Amaechi’s remarks come amid ongoing debate within the party over zoning.
Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai recently reiterated opposition to zoning the presidential ticket, while former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has also maintained that the ADC’s nomination should remain open to aspirants from all regions.
The differing positions highlight the internal consultations and strategic calculations underway within the ADC as it prepares for the next presidential contest.
