…Pledges loyalty to party’s flagbearer
Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has cautioned the African Democratic Congress (ADC) against fielding a northern presidential candidate in 2027, warning that it may be difficult to convince southern voters to support such a move.
Speaking in Kano on February 12, 2026, Amaechi said the party must carefully weigh regional dynamics ahead of the general election, stressing that the current balance of power in the country cannot be ignored.
“It will be hard to get the South to give up power,” he said, noting that many in the region believe the presidency should remain in the South in line with the informal power rotation arrangement between the North and South.
According to him, presenting a northern candidate prematurely could weaken the party’s popularity in the South. “If you choose someone from the North now, it will be difficult to get the South to accept it, because they will ask, ‘Why is there always a problem only when power shifts to the South?’” Amaechi stated.
The former Rivers governor advised the ADC to consider three critical factors in selecting its presidential flagbearer: capacity, age, and respect for the unwritten zoning principle. He said acknowledging the existing power arrangement would make it easier for southern politicians and voters to rally behind the party.
Despite his warning, Amaechi pledged unwavering support for whoever emerges as the ADC’s presidential candidate. “Whether someone is from the South or the North doesn’t matter to me; I will support whoever emerges,” he said, emphasizing that party unity remains his top priority.
Amaechi, who has declared his intention to contest the ADC presidential ticket, also promised to serve only a single four-year term if elected, to allow power to return to the North in line with the rotation principle.
He urged the party to “pick the best material” capable of convincing Nigerians that positive change is possible, insisting that smart strategic decisions will be key to the ADC’s success in 2027.
