A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rotimi Amaechi, has called on the party to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the Southern region, warning that anything to the contrary could make electoral mobilisation in the region more challenging.
Naijaonpoint reports that Amaechi, a former Minister of Transportation and ex-governor of Rivers State, made the remarks during a strategic meeting with ADC stakeholders in Kano State.
“The ADC presidential ticket should go to the South. If someone from the North emerges as the ADC candidate, I’m not saying we won’t campaign, but it will be difficult to convince the southern part of the country to support the person,” he said.
Amaechi stressed that while he would support whoever wins the party’s presidential primary, the principle of power rotation between the North and South should be respected.
“We should conclude that and then transfer power to the North. Because it makes it easier for those of us who are from the South to say, look, we are going to compete, since the North has said, ‘Finish your tenure,’” he stated.
He warned that selecting a Northern candidate could trigger regional resentment and complicate campaign efforts.
“But if you then elect somebody from the North, I’m not saying we’re not going to campaign, but it will be difficult to convince the South to give up power, because it will ask the North why it is only when power comes to the South that there is a problem,” he added.
Amaechi urged the ADC to prioritise competence and generational leadership in selecting its flagbearer, laying out three key criteria.
He further stated, “And there are three factors to look for. First is capacity. Second is age, because it makes it easier for those of us who are from the South to say, look, we are going to compete.
“Third, which is the last point, is to respect the unwritten law of power, which is now in the South.”
Despite his preference for zoning, the former minister affirmed his commitment to support the party’s eventual candidate, regardless of their region.
“But again, whether it is a Southerner or a Northerner is immaterial. I will support whoever emerges at the primary,” Amaechi declared.