The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 elections, Atiku Abubakar, has disclosed details of a private meeting with former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, which took place in Abuja shortly after a heated party primary and emerging post-election tensions within the opposition.
The meeting comes days after Atiku was declared winner of the ADC presidential primaries, a result that has been rejected by Amaechi and former Minister of Transportation, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, who both questioned the credibility of the process and alleged irregularities.
Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen have maintained that the outcome did not reflect the will of party members, setting the stage for internal disputes within the ADC as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Against that backdrop, Atiku said his visit to Amaechi’s Abuja residence was not only personal but also centred on national issues and the broader responsibility of political leaders.
“This afternoon, I visited my brother and compatriot, former Governor of Rivers State and ex-Minister of Transportation, Chief Rotimi Amaechi, at his Abuja residence,” Atiku wrote on his official X handle on Thursday, May 28.
He said both men engaged in frank discussions on Nigeria’s worsening conditions, especially economic hardship and insecurity.
“Beyond the warmth and camaraderie, we had deep and honest conversations about the troubling state of our nation, the growing economic pain, insecurity, and the urgent responsibility on patriotic Nigerians to continue engaging in the search for solutions that can rescue our country from drift and despair,” he stated.
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Atiku also noted that the meeting included lighter moments, as he congratulated Amaechi on his birthday and joked about Arsenal Football Club’s recent success, describing the exchange as friendly and relaxed.
“I also felicitated with him on the occasion of his birthday yesterday,” he added.
He further revealed that Amaechi responded in good humour to the banter and extended hospitality in line with Rivers tradition.
“I also teased that Arsenal’s historic triumph could not have arrived at a better time. Chief Amaechi, a thoroughly well-loaded Gunner, took the banter in very good spirits,” Atiku wrote.
“In true Rivers hospitality, he apologised for not having enough time to prepare Fisherman Soup, a delicacy I have now been promised on our return for the second leg 😃. -AA,” he added.
The meeting is being closely watched within political circles, coming at a time when the ADC is still grappling with internal divisions following its recently concluded presidential primary.