Nigerian Politics Heats Up as Coalition Considers Rotimi Amaechi for 2027 Presidency

As the 2027 presidential election draws near, a new development has emerged in the opposition coalition, led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

According to insiders, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, the former Minister of Transportation, is being considered as a potential consensus candidate for the presidency.

This move is reportedly a response to growing concerns over Obi’s decision to run again with his 2023 running mate, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed.

Amaechi, who recently celebrated his 60th birthday, has been testing the waters for a presidential bid, and his recent lecture on “Weaponising Hunger” is seen as a subtle indication of his interest in the top job.

A source close to the coalition’s steering committee revealed that efforts are underway to persuade Atiku to step down from the 2027 race, but Obi remains resolute in his decision to run again with Baba-Ahmed.

With time running out, some members of the coalition believe that a third option is necessary, and Amaechi’s broad appeal and experience make him an attractive alternative.

Interestingly, the former President Muhammadu Buhari camp within the APC is said to prefer Amaechi over both Atiku and Obi.

There are also hints that Amaechi may be limited to a one-term presidency, aligning with the one-term pledges reportedly made by Atiku and Obi.

Meanwhile, Dr. Umar Ardo, a co-convener of the League of Northern Democrats (LND), has confirmed that discussions are ongoing about forming a new political party, tentatively called the All Democratic Alliance (ADA).

Ardo dismissed suggestions that the new platform is being designed to favor Atiku’s presidential ambition, emphasizing that the goal is to create a neutral platform for the coalition.

As the coalition navigates these complex developments, political analyst Dr. Katch Ononuju has warned that Obi’s right to contest in 2027 is non-negotiable and must be respected.

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the direction of the coalition, with observers watching closely to see whether Atiku and Obi will pursue separate bids under existing parties, while Amaechi emerges as the flag bearer of the new ADA party.