A Southern political pressure group, the Southern Political Progressives Amalgamation Forum (SPPAF), has cautioned former Vice President Atiku Abubakar against picking former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election, warning that such a move could undermine the opposition’s chances of unseating President Bola Tinubu.
The group, in a statement jointly signed by Johnson Iheanacho, Eniafe Ayomide and Anga Fidelis, argued that choosing Amaechi would amount to a costly political miscalculation capable of eroding the momentum built by the opposition coalition ahead of the next general election.
According to the forum, the emergence of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led coalition rekindled hope among Nigerians seeking an alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), following the coming together of prominent opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola.
It maintained that although the coalition has faced political and legal hurdles, it has continued to project itself as a formidable platform capable of mounting a serious challenge in 2027, warning that the choice of a vice-presidential candidate could determine whether that momentum is sustained or squandered.
The group said speculation that Amaechi is being considered for the vice-presidential ticket has generated anxiety within sections of the opposition, arguing that the former minister no longer commands the political influence required to broaden the coalition’s electoral reach.
SPPAF also cited Amaechi’s remarks during the ADC presidential primary, where he questioned Atiku’s electoral viability and reportedly dismissed suggestions that he could serve as the former vice president’s running mate, saying those comments underscored internal divisions that should not be ignored.
It further argued that the opposition should prioritise a running mate capable of expanding its support base across Southern Nigeria rather than relying solely on Atiku’s perceived electoral strength in the North.
The forum also questioned Amaechi’s current political standing in Rivers State and the wider Niger Delta, contending that his influence has waned over the years and may not translate into significant electoral gains for the opposition.
It equally referred to media reports alleging that Amaechi sought substantial influence over appointments and strategic government agencies in the event of an opposition victory. While acknowledging that the claims remain unverified, the group urged Atiku to ensure that discussions surrounding the composition of a future administration are driven by national interest rather than political bargaining.
The forum made a case for the South-East to produce the coalition’s vice-presidential candidate, arguing that the region boasts credible leaders capable of expanding the ADC’s electoral appeal while addressing longstanding concerns over inclusion and equitable power-sharing.
It maintained that the success of the opposition in 2027 would depend not only on the popularity of its presidential candidate but also on the strategic value, regional balance and national acceptability of the vice-presidential nominee.
The group urged Atiku to carefully weigh the political implications of his choice, warning that a misstep at this stage could weaken the coalition’s prospects and inadvertently improve President Tinubu’s chances of securing a second term in office.