The political tension that followed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary appeared to ease on Thursday as the Party’s 2027 presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, paid a visit to his former rival, Rotimi Amaechi, in Abuja.
Atiku visited the former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation at his residence, days after defeating him to secure the ADC presidential ticket for the 2027 election.
After the meeting, the former Vice President shared details of the visit on his social media pages, describing their discussions as frank and centered on Nigeria’s worsening challenges.
According to Atiku, both men reflected on the country’s economic hardship, insecurity, and the urgent need for patriotic Nigerians to continue seeking solutions to rescue the nation from its present condition.
“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.
“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.”
Atiku also revealed that he used the opportunity to celebrate Amaechi’s birthday, which held a day earlier, while joking about Arsenal’s recent historic triumph.
“I also felicitated with him on the occasion of his birthday yesterday and 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,” he added.
The ADC flagbearer further joked about being promised a special Rivers delicacy during another visit.
“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,” Atiku wrote alongside a smiling emoji.
The visit comes on the heels of the recently concluded ADC presidential primary, where Atiku emerged victorious ahead of Amaechi and businessman, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.
Amaechi had openly rejected the outcome of the exercise before the official announcement of results, alleging that the primary process was marred by irregularities.
Despite the disagreement, Atiku, during his acceptance speech after clinching the ticket, appealed to Amaechi and other dissatisfied Party members to unite ahead of the 2027 general election.
