2027 Presidency: Atiku Battles Hurdle in Selecting Running Mate

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has completed its primary elections and all eyes are now on who will be the running mate of the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

Atiku had picked the current Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, as his running mate in 2019 and the former governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, as his running mate in the 2023 polls.

Few weeks ago, Atiku won the highest number of votes in the primary election of the ADC to emerge as the party’s flag bearer.

He is said to be contemplating a move to the South-East with names like the Director General of the World Trade Organization, WTO, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha mentioned.

Amidst those speculations, the Director of Politics at Arise News, Sumner Sambo had said Okonjo-Iweala distanced herself from such a move saying she was not willing to abandon her current post as WTO DG for a Nigerian political contest.

On March 1, 2021, Okonjo-Iweala became the first woman and the first African to lead the world trade organization as the DG of WTO.

In September 2023, she was appointed director-general for her second term which expires in 2029.

But Sambo said she had handed over her position directly to the Atiku’s camp.

“Okonjo-Iweala is not willing to actually leave a lucrative job as DG of the World Trade Organisation to actually consider that,” Sambo said.

“She has made it clear to them and that is understandable because she has just returned in September last year and she has got tenure that will go for a second term until 2029.”

Emeka Ihedioha

One of the names that dominated is that of the immediate past governor of Imo State and a former speaker of the House of Representatives.

The former Vice President is said to be quietly assessing the likely running mates and Ihedioha, also a member of the ADC, is believed to be among them.

Amaechi’s South South link

Speculations are that Atiku is eyeing the Southeast but there are claims that he has extended his searchlight to the South South region.

Atiku is said to be weighing another presidential aspirant, the former Minister of Transportation and two-term governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi.

The ADC presidential candidate met Amaechi in closed door meeting on Monday but details of the meeting were not made public.

But some believe it has everything to do with the choice of Atiku’s running mate.

Atiku will not get votes from Southeast running mate — APC chieftain, Eli

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Sogbeye Eli has said that the choice of a running mate from the Southeast will not garner Atiku many votes in 2027 due to the influence of Obi in the region.

“Atiku cannot afford to get votes from a vice-presidential candidate from both the South-East and South-West,” he said in an interview.

Dele Momodu declares himself as Atiku’s running mate

In the political uncertainty, a chieftain of the ADC and former presidential candidate, Dele Momodu had posted a flyer on his social media page in which he was portrayed as Atiku’s running mate.

Momodu wrote on the flyer: “The Attraction of Atiku Abubakar/Dele Momodu ticket”, “The right choice for a greater Nigeria.”

Aide says spare tyre will not determine Atiku’s choice of running mate

Reacting to the speculations, Atiku’s Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said the ADC presidential candidate would choose his running mate based on competence and not on the usual basis of “spare tyre”.

Speaking with Shaibu said: “It is far too early to speculate on specific regions or individuals on the Vice Presidential slot.

“That decision is ultimately going to be made based on what is in the best interest of the country and what would strengthen the mission of rescuing Nigeria.

“What I can tell you is that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar knows the great task of leadership. He knows that Nigeria today needs a competent, experienced and capable team.

So I do not expect the choice of a running mate to be based on symbolism or the antiquated concept of a ‘spare tyre.’ Nigeria needs a team to govern and not a single administrator.

“The Vice President must be someone who can make a meaningful contribution to governance, policy formulation, economic management, national cohesion and the overall task of rebuilding the country.

“When the time comes, Nigerians will see a decision based on MEAN, capacity and national interest.”

Lawyer: Atiku’s best option for choosing running mate is from Southeast

Lawyer, Maduabuchi Idam, also joined the debate, saying if Atiku wants national cohesion and political balance, picking his running mate from the Southeast is his “strongest option”.

Idam said Atiku could be a serious threat to Obi’s presidential ambition if he picks a running mate from the Southeast.

“If the goals are equity, national cohesion and political balance in the event of a victory, then Atiku’s best option may be to choose a running mate from the South East.

The South-East would have had to be given meaningful representation in his administration so that they could feel included and part of the nation.

Any northern presidential ticket without a South-East representation is likely to be met with criticism and apathy by a large chunk of the South-East electorate.

“Further, if Atiku is serious about challenging the influence of Peter Obi in the region, then choosing a running mate from the South-East could be a strategic necessity.

“Unless such a move is made, it may be difficult to secure the constitutionally required spread of votes, including a substantial share from the region in the 2027 elections.