Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has paid a strategic visit to former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, in Abuja, in what political observers describe as a key move to calm rising tensions within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following its heated presidential primary.
The visit comes just hours after Atiku was declared the ADC presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, defeating Amaechi and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen in a closely contested race that has already triggered internal party friction.
According to reports, Atiku arrived at Amaechi’s residence on Thursday evening accompanied by prominent political allies, including former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal and other senior party figures.
The ADC presidential primary has been described as one of the most divisive in recent opposition politics, with Atiku emerging winner while Amaechi finished as runner-up.
Sources say the visit was not just ceremonial but a deliberate attempt to rebuild trust and prevent further cracks within the opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
During the election, Amaechi had raised concerns about the credibility of the process, alleging irregularities in the conduct of the primaries—claims that further deepened divisions within the party structure.
Reports indicate that the meeting between both men was cordial and lasted several hours, focusing on party unity, national issues, and the need for a coordinated opposition strategy against the ruling party.
Atiku is also said to have used the opportunity to reassure Amaechi of inclusion in future political consultations, signaling efforts to reduce post-primary bitterness and strengthen internal cohesion within the ADC.
Political analysts believe the move is part of a broader strategy by Atiku to unify aggrieved aspirants and prevent defections or parallel alliances that could weaken the party’s chances in 2027.
The African Democratic Congress has in recent weeks become a major platform for opposition realignment, attracting high-profile politicians including Atiku and Amaechi. However, the party’s rising profile has also exposed deep internal rivalries.
Analysts warn that unless reconciliatory efforts like this visit succeed, the ADC risks fragmentation at a crucial moment when opposition forces are trying to consolidate against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Atiku’s visit to Amaechi is widely seen as the beginning of post-primary negotiations aimed at forming a stronger political front ahead of the 2027 elections.
