Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has revealed details of a private meeting with former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, days after defeating him in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary election.
In a statement shared on Thursday, Atiku disclosed that he visited Amaechi at his Abuja residence, where both political figures held what he described as “deep and honest conversations” about Nigeria’s worsening economic and security situation.
The meeting comes shortly after the fiercely contested ADC presidential primary, where Atiku emerged victorious over Amaechi to secure the party’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.
Political observers believe the visit signals an effort to strengthen party unity and maintain cordial relations following the primary battle.
Focus on Nigeria’s Challenges
According to Atiku, discussions during the visit centred on the hardship facing Nigerians, rising insecurity, and the need for patriotic leaders to continue seeking solutions to the country’s growing challenges.
He said the conversation reflected shared concerns over what he termed the nation’s “drift and despair,” while emphasising the responsibility of political stakeholders to work toward national recovery.
The former vice president 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.”
Birthday Wishes and Football Banter
Atiku also used the visit to celebrate Amaechi’s birthday, which was marked a day earlier, adding a lighter tone to the political meeting with football-related banter.
He jokingly referenced Arsenal’s recent triumph, noting that it arrived at the perfect time for Amaechi, whom he described as a devoted supporter of the English club.
According to Atiku, the former Rivers governor received the jokes in good spirits, reflecting the friendly atmosphere during the visit despite their recent political rivalry.
Promise of Rivers Hospitality
The former vice president further disclosed that Amaechi apologised for not preparing Fisherman Soup, a popular Rivers delicacy, during the visit.
Atiku humorously added that he had now been promised the meal during a future return visit for what he called the “second leg.”
