The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has commenced consultations aimed at selecting a running mate for the 2027 presidential election, with indications that the party is considering a candidate from the South-East geopolitical zone.

This comes days after Atiku secured the ADC presidential ticket in a primary election whose outcome has been challenged by some contestants.

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen had criticised the conduct of the primary, alleging that the process was not free, fair or credible.

Despite the disagreement, Atiku, in his acceptance speech, appealed to both men to work with him in his bid to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 election.

The former vice president subsequently visited Amaechi at his Abuja residence, a move that sparked speculation over a possible vice-presidential offer. However, sources familiar with the meeting said the issue of a running mate was not discussed.

Amaechi later confirmed that he had not been approached regarding the vice-presidential position. Speaking during an interview on the #WithChude programme, he maintained his criticism of the primary election results while affirming his continued membership of the ADC.

Investigations indicate that Amaechi is not among the leading contenders for the vice-presidential slot, with party insiders reportedly favouring a candidate from the South-East, a region considered strategically important to the party’s electoral calculations.

Sources within the party said the position had initially been expected to go to former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, before he left the ADC and joined the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).

Attention has now shifted to former Imo State governor and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, who is said to be under consideration for the role.

Party sources credited Ihedioha with helping mobilise support for Atiku in the South-East during the presidential primary and noted that he remained in the ADC while several prominent politicians from the region defected to the NDC alongside Obi.

Ihedioha served briefly as governor of Imo State after winning the 2019 governorship election before the Supreme Court removed him from office in January 2020 and declared Senator Hope Uzodimma as governor.

According to party insiders, concerns over Amaechi’s political influence in Rivers State and the wider South-South region have reduced his chances of emerging as Atiku’s running mate.

One source said the ADC is seeking a candidate capable of delivering significant electoral support in their home region, adding that the party believes the South-East offers a stronger strategic advantage.

Atiku’s Special Adviser, Paul Ibe, confirmed that consultations on the composition of the presidential ticket were ongoing and that the party would comply with the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

While dismissing reports linking Amaechi to the vice-presidential position, Ibe declined to comment on speculation surrounding other potential nominees, including Ihedioha.

He said the party would make its decision public once consultations are concluded.

Meanwhile, a senior INEC official said political parties are continuing to work in line with the commission’s electoral timetable despite legal disputes surrounding the 2027 election schedule.

The official maintained that the timetable remains in force and noted that August 29, 2026, remains the deadline for the submission of candidates for the presidential and National Assembly elections.

The ongoing consultations have heightened political interest in the eventual composition of the ADC presidential ticket as parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general election.