KANO — Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has advised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to consider a southern presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 elections, stressing that competence, age, and the country’s power rotation tradition should guide the party’s choice.
Speaking on Wednesday in Kano, the former Rivers State governor emphasized that the ADC must present a candidate acceptable to the southern region to enhance the party’s nationwide appeal.
“I will support whoever emerges, but I advise the ADC to identify the best aspirant who can convince Nigerians that things will be turned around,” Amaechi said.
He outlined three key factors for the party’s consideration: “First is capacity, second is age, and the third is to respect the unwritten law of power, which is the turn of the south.”
Amaechi argued that allowing the south to complete its eight-year term would facilitate smooth participation of southern contenders in the next presidential race. He cautioned that fielding a northern candidate while many southerners believe power should remain in the south could reduce the party’s acceptance in the region.
“If you elect somebody from the north, I’m not saying we won’t campaign for the candidate, but it will be difficult to convince the south to give up power,” he added.
Despite his preference for a southern candidate, Amaechi reiterated his commitment to supporting whoever wins the ADC presidential ticket. “Whether it is a southerner or a northerner is immaterial; I will support whoever emerges at the primary,” he said.
In July 2025, Amaechi had expressed willingness to contest the 2027 presidency under the ADC, stating he would serve only one term to ensure that power eventually returns to the north, promoting stability and adherence to the rotation principle.
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