Indications have emerged that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is leaning towards former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as the running mate to the party’s presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ahead of the 2027 general election.

Sources within the party disclosed that discussions among key stakeholders have increasingly favoured Amaechi for the vice-presidential slot following the conclusion of the ADC presidential primary.

Although a final decision is yet to be announced, party insiders said the matter would likely be concluded after Atiku returns from an overseas trip.

Shortly after securing the party’s presidential ticket, Atiku reportedly visited Amaechi to seek his continued commitment to the party and its political agenda.

It was gathered that Amaechi is among a number of prominent figures considered for the position. Others reportedly in contention include former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha, Senator Austin Akobundu and former Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajuba.

A source familiar with the discussions said the preference for Amaechi is partly driven by regional political calculations. According to the source, the ADC believes selecting a candidate from the South-South could strengthen the party’s appeal across the southern region.

The source noted that the presidential candidates of other major parties are drawn from different southern geopolitical zones, with President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the South-West and Peter Obi of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) from the South-East.

“The thinking is that many voters may naturally gravitate towards candidates from their respective regions. With no major presidential candidate from the South-South, the party believes Amaechi could help fill that gap and broaden support for the ADC,” the source said.

The source added that unless there is a last-minute change, the party is expected to formally unveil Amaechi as Atiku’s running mate upon the former vice president’s return to the country.

According to the insider, the ADC is confident that Amaechi’s political influence could attract significant support from the South-South and other parts of southern Nigeria.

Another party source pointed to Amaechi’s previous role as Director-General of Muhammadu Buhari’s presidential campaign organisation, saying his extensive political network could help draw dissatisfied APC members into the ADC fold.

Before attention shifted to Amaechi, Atiku was reportedly considering Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde as a possible running mate following an opposition summit held in Ibadan. However, the plan did not materialise after Makinde declared his intention to seek the presidency on the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

Amaechi had contested the ADC presidential primary alongside Muhammed Hayatu-Deen and Atiku Abubakar. Although both Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen initially challenged the outcome of the exercise, alleging irregularities and manipulation of results, party leaders are said to have addressed the grievances and restored unity within the party.