PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has congratulated former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on his emergence as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, describing his immediate reconciliation efforts after the primary as a demonstration of statesmanship and leadership.
Eze, a former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP) and longtime ally of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, particularly commended Atiku for reaching out to his major rivals in the contest shortly after securing the party’s ticket.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Eze said Atiku’s visits to former Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and businessman Alhaji Hayatu-Deen, who contested the ADC presidential ticket alongside him, had reinforced confidence in the party’s unity and strengthened efforts to build a formidable opposition platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to Eze, the former vice president’s actions reflected humility, pragmatism and a commitment to collective leadership, qualities he said would be crucial in the task of mobilising Nigerians for political change.
“By visiting Rt. Hon. Barr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and Alhaji Hayatu-Deen, your main contenders for the coveted ADC presidential ticket, you have once again proven that you are a team player, a man whose humility, pragmatism and friendly disposition know no boundary,” Eze stated.
He noted that the reconciliation visits had helped to foster unity within the party and renewed the commitment of members and supporters towards what he described as a common mission of rescuing Nigeria from its current challenges.
The ADC stalwart, who said he had known Atiku for over three decades, described his emergence as the party’s standard bearer as evidence of his consistency, resilience and commitment to democratic governance.
“Your emergence as the ADC presidential candidate is a testament to your enduring commitment, determination and doggedness in promoting democratic ideals, national development and the advancement of good governance in Nigeria,” he said.
Eze expressed confidence that Atiku’s vast experience in public service and leadership would continue to inspire millions of Nigerians seeking what he described as a more inclusive, prosperous and united country.
He also praised Atiku’s position on national security and poverty reduction, arguing that the former vice president had consistently demonstrated concern over the welfare of Nigerians and the need for effective governance.
The ADC chieftain was, however, emphatic in his recommendation that Atiku should consider Amaechi as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election.
According to him, the former Rivers governor possesses the political experience, national appeal and strategic capacity required to strengthen the ADC’s chances of victory at the polls.
Eze argued that Amaechi’s role in past electoral victories, including campaigns that led to the defeat of an incumbent president, underscored his value to the opposition coalition.
“You need Amaechi now because the way he managed the campaign that ousted a sitting president proves that he is not a figure any serious-minded person aspiring to lead Nigeria can ignore,” he stated.
He further cautioned Atiku against overlooking key stakeholders who had contributed to building the ADC, warning that excluding loyal party members from critical decisions could create unnecessary disaffection within the party.
“Should Amaechi not be selected, it may have some dire consequences on our common vision, as most of the recommended candidates are neither members of ADC nor were part of the struggle that built the vision associated with the party,” Eze said.
The former nPDP spokesman also advised Atiku to prepare for intense political opposition and propaganda from rivals, noting that the road to the 2027 elections would be highly contested.
He expressed optimism, however, that with the support of party members and Nigerians seeking change, Atiku would be able to overcome the challenges ahead.
“As you embark on this patriotic journey, I wish you wisdom, strength and success in presenting your vision for a better Nigeria. May your campaign be guided by issues, patriotism and the collective aspirations of the Nigerian people,” Eze stated.
He pledged his continued support for the former vice president and assured him of his commitment to working towards the success of the ADC in the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement comes as opposition parties intensify preparations and realignments ahead of what is expected to be a fiercely contested presidential election in 2027.
