Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has cautioned the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that presenting a northern presidential candidate in the 2027 general election could prove difficult to market to voters across southern Nigeria.
Amaechi urged the party’s leadership to weigh regional political realities carefully when making its presidential selection, stressing that electoral strategy must reflect the country’s power balance and voter sentiment.
Speaking in Kano, the former governor of Rivers State said he would support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate but emphasized that the choice must be guided by practical considerations that improve the party’s credibility and electability.
He explained that three major factors should shape the party’s decision: competence, age, and the current zoning expectations tied to power rotation between the South and the North.
According to him, respecting the informal understanding that presidential power should remain in the South for now would make it easier for southern politicians and voters to rally behind the party. He argued that disregarding that sentiment could weaken the party’s acceptance in the region.
Amaechi noted that while party members would still campaign vigorously regardless of the nominee’s origin, persuading southern voters to back a northern candidate at this time would be challenging. He said many in the South question why resistance often arises when power shifts there.
Despite his warning, he reiterated his commitment to party unity, pledging to support the ADC’s eventual flag bearer irrespective of regional background.
Amaechi, who has indicated interest in seeking the party’s presidential ticket, also said he would serve only a single four-year term if elected, after which power should rotate back to the North.
