By Marvellous Nyang
May 28, 2026
Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, on Thursday visited former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, at his residence in Abuja amid growing political realignments within the opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general election.
The meeting came barely days after tensions emerged within the ADC following the party’s presidential primary election in which Atiku defeated Amaechi and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen to clinch the party’s presidential ticket.
Amaechi had openly rejected the outcome of the primary election, alleging widespread disenfranchisement, irregularities and manipulation of results during the nationwide exercise conducted earlier in the week.
Despite the disagreement, Atiku’s visit appeared aimed at easing tensions within the opposition coalition as political leaders intensify consultations ahead of the next election cycle.
In a statement issued after the meeting, Atiku described Amaechi as “my brother and compatriot,” saying discussions during the visit focused on the worsening condition of the country and the need for patriotic Nigerians to work together in finding solutions.
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“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 stated.
“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.”
The former vice president also revealed that part of the visit was to celebrate Amaechi’s birthday, which took place a day earlier.
“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,” he said.
“Chief Amaechi, a thoroughly well-loaded Gunner, took the banter in very good spirits.”
Atiku added a lighter note to the meeting, disclosing that Amaechi apologised for not preparing a traditional Rivers delicacy for 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 added.
The visit is expected to fuel fresh political conversations within the ADC coalition, particularly after Atiku, in his acceptance speech following the primary election, publicly appealed to Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen to unite with him ahead of the 2027 presidential campaign.
Political observers believe the meeting may signal early reconciliation efforts within the opposition bloc as consultations intensify over strategies to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress in the next general election.
