ADC Reconciliation Begins as Atiku Visits Amaechi

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar on Thursday visited former Minister of Transportation and ex-Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, at his Abuja residence in what political observers see as a strategic reconciliation move following tensions from the party’s presidential primaries.

Amaechi had contested the ADC presidential ticket alongside Atiku Abubakar and former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen. However, both Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen rejected the outcome of the exercise, alleging that the primary process was manipulated.

The post-primary dispute had raised concerns within the opposition coalition about possible internal divisions ahead of the 2027 general election.

Atiku’s visit is widely interpreted as an effort to calm tensions, rebuild confidence among aggrieved stakeholders, and project a united opposition front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The former vice president was accompanied during the visit by former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, and several other senior party figures.

In a post shared afterwards on his official X account, Atiku described the meeting as cordial and deeply reflective, noting that discussions focused largely on Nigeria’s worsening economic and security situation.

“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 used the visit to celebrate Amaechi’s birthday and injected a lighter moment into the political meeting by referencing Arsenal’s recent football success.

“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 candidate further revealed that Amaechi promised to host him again for a “second leg” of discussions, joking about Rivers delicacies that were not available during the 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 said humorously.

The visit comes at a delicate time for the ADC as party leaders work to stabilise internal structures, manage post-primary grievances, and strengthen the coalition ahead of what is expected to be a fiercely contested presidential election.

While Amaechi has yet to publicly comment on the meeting or indicate whether he will fully back Atiku’s candidacy, Thursday’s engagement is being viewed as an important first step toward mending cracks within the opposition movement.