Atiku (L) and Amaechi (R)BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS
Barely hours after emerging as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Thursday made a strategic move to douse growing tensions within the opposition party by visiting his rival, Rotimi Amaechi, at his Abuja residence.
The high-profile meeting came against the backdrop of mounting controversy trailing Wednesday’s fiercely contested ADC presidential primary, which ended with Atiku securing a landslide victory over Amaechi and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.
According to the party, Atiku polled 1,846,370 votes to defeat Amaechi, who garnered 504,117 votes, while Hayatu-Deen secured 177,120 votes.
But the aftermath of the exercise has thrown the opposition coalition into early turbulence, with Amaechi rejecting the outcome and alleging widespread voter disenfranchisement during the primary.
Hayatu-Deen also distanced himself from the process, boycotting the official announcement of results over allegations of massive vote manipulation.
Despite the brewing discontent, Atiku’s visit appeared aimed at mending fences and preserving unity within the coalition ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a statement after the meeting, the former vice president said discussions with Amaechi focused on Nigeria’s worsening socio-economic realities and the urgent need for patriotic collaboration to rescue the country.
“We had deep and honest conversations about the troubling state of the 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 said.
The meeting also carried moments of political warmth and personal camaraderie.
Atiku revealed that he congratulated Amaechi on his birthday and jokingly referenced Arsenal Football Club’s recent historic triumph — a gesture he said the former Rivers governor, whom he described as a “well-loaded Gunner,” received in good spirits.
“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 humorously.
The ADC National Chairman, David Mark, had defended the conduct of the primary shortly after the declaration of results, insisting that the exercise was free and fair despite acknowledged shortcomings.
According to Mark, all aspirants were qualified to lead the party, but only one candidate could emerge as the flag bearer.
The latest development highlights early cracks within the opposition alliance that coalesced around the ADC in July 2025, when Atiku, Amaechi and several other prominent political figures adopted the party as a coalition platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the ruling APC in the 2027 presidential election.
Political observers believe Atiku’s reconciliation move may be critical in preventing internal divisions from weakening the coalition’s chances ahead of what is expected to be a fiercely contested election cycle.
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