Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has advised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to consider zoning its 2027 presidential ticket to the southern region of the country.
Speaking in Kano on Wednesday, Amaechi said the party must carefully assess three major factors when choosing its flag bearer: competence, age, and respect for the country’s informal power-sharing arrangement.
“I will support whoever emerges. But I also advise the ADC to look around and identify the best material [aspirant] that can convince Nigerians that things will be turned around,” Amaechi said.
He outlined his position further, stating, “First is capacity, second is age, and the third, which is the last point, is to respect the unwritten law of power [rotation], which is the [turn] of the south.”
According to the former Rivers State governor, the south should be allowed to complete what he described as its eight-year turn before power shifts back to the north. He argued that adhering to this principle would make it easier for southern aspirants to gain broader acceptance.
Amaechi cautioned that presenting a northern candidate at a time when many in the south expect power to remain in the region could hurt the ADC’s chances there.
“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 said.
Despite his preference, Amaechi maintained that party unity remains paramount.
“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 indicated his willingness to serve only one term if he secures the ADC ticket and wins the presidency in 2027, pledging to step aside after four years to allow power rotation to the north in the interest of national stability.
