Why Atiku Visited Amaechi Days After Defeating Him in ADC Presidential Primary

• Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has explained the reason behind his visit to Rotimi Amaechi’s Abuja residence days after emerging victorious in the ADC presidential primary election.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has revealed why he paid a visit to former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, days after defeating him in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary election.

The visit comes amid ongoing discussions following the party’s presidential primary, where Atiku emerged as the ADC’s flag bearer for the 2027 general election.

The primary election, held at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, saw Atiku defeat Amaechi and former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen to secure the party’s presidential ticket.

According to the official results announced by the party, Atiku polled 1,846,370 votes, while Amaechi secured 504,117 votes and Hayatu-Deen received 177,120 votes.

Following the exercise, the ADC leadership led by former Senate President David Mark officially presented the party’s flag to Atiku as its presidential candidate.

The party had adopted the direct primary method after all three aspirants reportedly rejected calls for a consensus arrangement ahead of the contest.

Explaining the reason for his visit, Atiku disclosed via a post on his X account that he met with Amaechi to discuss pressing national issues and the future of the country.

According to him, both men engaged in extensive conversations about the economy, insecurity and the need for patriotic Nigerians to continue seeking solutions to the country’s challenges.

“This afternoon, I visited my brother and compatriot, former Governor of Rivers State and ex-Minister of Transportation, Chief Rotimi Amaechi, at his Abuja residence,” Atiku wrote.

“Beyond the warmth and camaraderie, we had deep and honest conversations about the troubling state of our nation, the growing economic pain, insecurity, and the urgent responsibility on patriotic Nigerians to continue engaging in the search for solutions that can rescue our country from drift and despair.”

Atiku also revealed that part of the visit was to celebrate Amaechi’s birthday.

“I also felicitated with him on the occasion of his birthday yesterday,” he stated.

The former vice president added a lighter touch to the meeting by joking about Arsenal’s recent Premier League triumph, knowing Amaechi’s long-standing support for the English club.

“I teased that Arsenal’s historic triumph could not have arrived at a better time. Chief Amaechi, a thoroughly well-loaded Gunner, took the banter in very good spirits,” he said.

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Atiku further disclosed that Amaechi promised to host him again with a special Rivers delicacy during a future visit.

“In true Rivers hospitality, he apologised for not having enough time to prepare Fisherman Soup, a delicacy I have now been promised on our return for the second leg,” Atiku added.

The visit has since sparked reactions among political observers, with many viewing it as a sign of unity within the ADC following the conclusion of its presidential primary.