Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has revealed that his recent meeting with former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, focused on Nigeria’s worsening economic hardship, insecurity and the urgent need to rescue the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The meeting took place at Amaechi’s residence in Abuja, barely 24 hours after Atiku defeated him to emerge as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 presidential election.
Atiku disclosed details of the meeting in a statement posted on his official X account on Thursday, describing the discussion as frank, honest and centred on the future of Nigeria.
According to the former Vice President, the conversation went beyond politics and touched on the current state of the nation, especially the growing economic challenges and insecurity facing Nigerians.
“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 stated.
The ADC presidential candidate said leaders must continue to work together to find practical solutions to Nigeria’s mounting problems.
The meeting has sparked fresh political reactions, especially coming shortly after the fiercely contested ADC presidential primary election.
Atiku emerged winner of the ADC presidential primary held at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
Official results released by the party showed that Atiku polled 1,846,370 votes to defeat Amaechi, who secured 504,117 votes, while former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen received 177,120 votes.
Following the announcement, former Senate President David Mark formally presented the ADC presidential flag to Atiku as the party’s candidate for the 2027 election.
The former Vice President subsequently appealed to Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen to join hands with him in building a united opposition coalition capable of challenging the ruling party in 2027.
Despite Atiku’s victory, both Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen rejected the outcome of the ADC primary election, alleging irregularities in the voting process.
Hayatu-Deen also reportedly refused to attend the official declaration of results.
The disagreement has continued to generate debate within the opposition camp as political parties begin preparations ahead of the next general election.
Atiku also disclosed that he used the visit to celebrate Amaechi’s birthday and joked about Arsenal Football Club’s recent success.
Describing Amaechi as a thoroughly well-loaded Gunner,” Atiku said the former Rivers governor received the football banter in good spirit.
The former Vice President further revealed that Amaechi promised to host him with Fisherman Soup during a future visit after apologising for not preparing the delicacy during the meeting.
In true River’s 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 Atiku-Amaechi meeting comes amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with opposition parties intensifying consultations and coalition talks.
Political observers believe the outcome of the ADC primary and the response from Amaechi and other aspirants could shape the future of opposition politics in Nigeria.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, attention is expected to remain on key political figures and ongoing negotiations within the opposition bloc.
