Amaechi warns ADC may struggle to win southern votes if it fields a northern candidate, urging the party to consider capacity, age, and zoning in 2027

Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has cautioned that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) could face difficulty securing support in southern Nigeria if it fields a northern presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.

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Amaechi emphasised that the party must consider candidate capacity, age, and the prevailing power rotation arrangement when selecting its flagbearer.

Speaking to journalists in Kano, Amaechi said he would support whoever emerges from the ADC primary but urged the party to identify a candidate with broad national appeal.

“I will support whoever emerges. But I also advise the ADC to look around and identify the best material that can convince Nigerians that things will be turned around,” he stated.

Amaechi highlighted three critical factors for consideration: the candidate’s ability to govern effectively, age suitability, and adherence to the unwritten law of southern political rotation.

He noted that presenting a northern candidate prematurely could weaken the party’s appeal in the South, where many voters expect power to remain in the region.

“If you elect somebody from the North, I’m not saying we won’t campaign, but it will be difficult to convince the South to give up power,” Amaechi explained.

He stressed that respecting current regional expectations could ease acceptance of future power transfers to the North.

Despite his warnings, Amaechi reiterated his commitment to party unity and pledged to back the eventual ADC candidate, regardless of geographic origin.

His comments align with ongoing debates within the ADC over zoning, following statements from party chieftains including former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, who rejected zoning in favour of open primaries.

Amaechi, who has expressed interest in the ADC presidential ticket, previously indicated a willingness to serve a single four-year term if elected, allowing a return of power to northern Nigeria after President Tinubu’s term.

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The ADC’s candidate selection and zoning decisions are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping voter dynamics ahead of the 2027 elections.