Former Minister of Transportation and prominent APC chieftain, Rotimi Amaechi, has publicly expressed his willingness to join the opposition coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to remove President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. Amaechi’s declaration signals growing momentum among key opposition figures aiming to unify against the ruling APC administration.
Amaechi, who came second in the APC presidential primary, has been identified as a potential consensus candidate within the opposition, especially amid tensions between Atiku and Obi over party choice and leadership roles. The coalition faces internal divisions, with Atiku’s camp favoring adoption of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Amaechi’s faction, including the League of Northern Democrats (LND), pushing for the registration of a new party, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA). These disagreements have delayed a final decision on the coalition’s political platform.
At his 60th birthday lecture themed “Weaponising Hunger,” Amaechi revealed he had told President Tinubu directly that he would not support his presidential bid, citing concerns over Tinubu’s capacity to unify the country. This stance has been vindicated, he said, by recent developments. Coalition insiders view Amaechi as a strong alternative candidate who could bridge the divide between Atiku and Obi’s camps.
There are also reports of possible backing for Amaechi from elements within former President Muhammadu Buhari’s camp, who see him as a preferable alternative to both Atiku and Obi. While Atiku and Obi are rumored to be open to serving only one term if elected, Amaechi is similarly perceived as likely to respect Nigeria’s zoning arrangement by serving a single term.
The opposition coalition continues to court northern political blocs to strengthen its chances of unseating Tinubu. However, the coalition’s unity remains fragile as Atiku and Obi maintain their presidential ambitions, and negotiations over running mates and party structures persist.
Amaechi’s readiness to join forces with Atiku and Obi marks a significant development in Nigeria’s 2027 electoral landscape, highlighting the complex interplay of alliances and rivalries shaping the opposition’s strategy to challenge the incumbent administration.
