ADC should field southern candidate for 2027 presidential election, says Amaechi

Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has called on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to consider a southern candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking in Kano on Wednesday, Amaechi said the party should base its choice on three key factors: competence, age, and the current balance of power in the country. He emphasised that the candidate must be acceptable to the southern region.

“I will support whoever emerges. But I also advise the ADC to identify the best aspirant who can convince Nigerians that things will be turned around,” Amaechi said.

He stressed the importance of respecting the unwritten rotational principle, noting that the south should complete its eight-year term before power returns to the north. Amaechi warned that presenting a northern candidate prematurely could reduce the party’s appeal in the south.

“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 assured that he would support whoever wins the ADC presidential ticket.

In July 2025, he had indicated he would serve only one term if elected, stepping down after four years to allow power rotation to the north.