2027: Amaechi asks ADC to zone presidential Ticket to South

As political consultations quietly intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has urged the African Democratic Congress to pay close attention to the question of zoning when deciding its presidential flag bearer.

Speaking in Kano, Amaechi framed the party’s forthcoming choice as a strategic test.

He cautioned that regional sensitivity could shape the party’s electoral fortunes.

He identified three benchmarks he believes should guide the process.

According to him, the party must settle for a candidate with demonstrable capacity, a generational outlook that aligns with national expectations, and an appreciation of Nigeria’s delicate power balancing culture.

“First is capacity, second is age, and the third is to respect the unwritten law of power rotation, which is the turn of the south,” he said.

Amaechi argued that allowing the southern region to complete “its eight year cycle” would reinforce political stability and reduce avoidable friction across the country.

He warned that presenting a northern aspirant in 2027, at a time when many southern stakeholders expect continuity in the region, could complicate campaign efforts.

“If you elect somebody from the north, I am not saying we will not campaign, but it will be difficult to convince the south to give up power,” he stated.

While making his preference known, Amaechi maintained that party cohesion must remain paramount.

He pledged loyalty to the eventual nominee regardless of regional origin.

“Whether it is a southerner or a northerner is immaterial. I will support whoever emerges at the primary,” he said.

The former Rivers State governor had in July 2025 signalled his own readiness to serve only one term if elected president on the ADC platform.

He said a single four year tenure would ease the transition of power back to the north and strengthen national equilibrium.

Daily Trust reports that Amaechi’s appeal is coming in the wake of the debate over zoning within the opposition ADC with focus on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi.

Both command significant followings across regional blocs and have both vowed to be on the ballot.

Their positions have fuelled fresh calculations within opposition circles, as calls for rotational balance grow louder.

While neither camp has formally declared its 2027 position, the zoning conversation is already reshaping alliances and setting the stage for a potential clash of ambitions.

There have also been talks of an Obi-Kwankwaso alliance.

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