A Southern political group, the Southern Political Progressives Amalgamation Forum (SPPAF), has urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to look to the South-East in selecting his running mate for the 2027 presidential election, arguing that choosing former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi could undermine the African Democratic Congress (ADC)’s electoral prospects.
The forum said the opposition coalition must avoid what it described as a “costly political miscalculation” by overlooking the South-East, insisting that the region offers credible political leaders capable of broadening the coalition’s appeal while addressing longstanding concerns over equity and inclusion.
In a statement jointly signed by Johnson Iheanacho, Eniafe Ayomide and Anga Fidelis, the group maintained that speculation linking Amaechi to the vice-presidential ticket has unsettled many supporters of the coalition, who fear the move could weaken the momentum built since the opposition rallied around the ADC.
According to SPPAF, the coalition has revived hopes among Nigerians seeking an alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), bringing together influential political figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola.
The group, however, argued that sustaining that momentum would require a running mate capable of expanding the coalition’s electoral reach rather than one whose political influence, it claimed, has diminished.
It also recalled Amaechi’s criticisms of Atiku during the ADC presidential primary, noting that the former minister had questioned Atiku’s electoral viability and publicly distanced himself from suggestions that he could become his running mate.
SPPAF further contended that Amaechi no longer commands sufficient political capital in Rivers State and the wider Niger Delta to deliver significant electoral advantage to the opposition.
The forum also referred to reports alleging that Amaechi had sought considerable influence over appointments and strategic government agencies in the event of an opposition victory. While acknowledging that the reports remain unverified, it urged Atiku to ensure that any discussions over the composition of a future administration are guided by competence and national interest.
Making a direct case for the South-East, the group argued that selecting a vice-presidential candidate from the region would not only strengthen the ADC’s electoral calculations but also demonstrate a commitment to national inclusion and balanced representation.
SPPAF maintained that the success of the opposition in 2027 would depend as much on the strategic value of the vice-presidential candidate as on the popularity of its presidential flag bearer.
It urged Atiku to carefully consider the political consequences of his decision, warning that an unpopular choice could fracture the coalition’s support base and inadvertently improve President Bola Tinubu’s chances of securing a second term.