As the political landscape shifts toward the 2027 general elections, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi has called on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to prioritize the principle of zoning when selecting its presidential candidate.
Speaking in Kano, the former Rivers State governor described the party’s upcoming decision as a strategic turning point, warning that regional sensitivity will be a major factor in their electoral success.
Amaechi proposed three specific criteria to guide the selection: the candidate must possess proven competence, represent a younger generation that meets current national expectations, and honor Nigeria’s tradition of power sharing.
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“First is capacity, second is age, and the third is to respect the unwritten law of power rotation, which is the turn of the south,” he said.
Amaechi contended that ensuring the southern region completes “its eight year cycle” is essential for national stability and reducing political friction.
He cautioned that fielding a northern candidate in 2027 could severely hamper the party’s ability to win over southern voters, noting, “If you elect somebody from the north, I am not saying we will not campaign, but it will be difficult to convince the south to give up power.”
Despite his clear preference for a southern candidate, Amaechi emphasized that party unity is the ultimate priority and promised to remain loyal to the party’s choice. “Whether it is a southerner or a northerner is immaterial. I will support whoever emerges at the primary,” he stated.
This follows his July 2025 declaration that, if elected president under the ADC, he would serve only a single four-year term to facilitate a smooth return of power to the north.
Amaechi’s remarks come amid intensifying internal debates within the ADC regarding high-profile figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.
Both leaders maintain strong regional support and have indicated their intentions to run, sparking new calculations about rotational balance and a possible alliance between Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
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