ABUJA — Former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi has openly dared former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to face him in a direct primary contest at the African Democratic Congress. Amaechi says he has no fear of a head-to-head vote and predicts Atiku would suffer his first primary defeat.
Amaechi made the bold declaration in an interview published on Tuesday. He said Atiku’s name recognition does not automatically translate into delegate support. He said ADC members who have seen his track record will choose him over a candidate who has lost national elections multiple times.
“Let Atiku face me in a direct primary. I have no fear. I am confident in what I bring to this race. Nigerians are tired of recycled candidates,” Amaechi said in the interview.
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Both Amaechi and Atiku submitted ADC presidential nomination forms earlier this month. The party had initially indicated a preference for consensus over a contested primary. However, Amaechi’s challenge signals that he is not prepared to step aside for Atiku without a fight.
ADC Primaries Under Pressure
The ADC is under enormous pressure to conclude its presidential primary before INEC’s May 30 deadline. The party has already postponed its aspirant screening twice due to security concerns and internal logistics issues.
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Furthermore, the party has multiple high-profile presidential aspirants including Atiku, Amaechi, and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen. Managing all three without fracturing the party is the biggest challenge facing ADC national chairman Ralph Nwosu.
Political analysts say a contested ADC primary could produce a stronger candidate. However, it also risks leaving the loser bitter and unwilling to campaign for the winner. Party unity after a bruising primary is never guaranteed in Nigerian politics.
Atiku Has Not Responded
Atiku Abubakar had not publicly responded to Amaechi’s challenge as of Wednesday morning. His campaign team has maintained a measured public posture since submitting his ADC forms. His aides say he is focused on building a coalition and meeting party stakeholders.
Meanwhile, the opposition unity summit held in Ibadan last week called for a single presidential candidate in 2027. However, neither Atiku nor Amaechi has publicly committed to stepping down in favour of anyone else.
The ADC primary, whenever it holds, is now one of the most anticipated political events in Nigeria’s 2027 season. The outcome will significantly shape the structure of opposition politics heading into the election.
