Former Minister of Transportation, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, has advised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to carefully consider zoning realities ahead of the next presidential election.
Speaking in Kano, Amaechi said it may be challenging for the party to sell a northern candidate to southern voters, urging strategic decisions to strengthen national appeal.
“I will support whoever emerges. But the ADC must identify candidates capable of convincing Nigerians that things can be turned around,” he said.
Amaechi highlighted three factors for choosing a presidential candidate: capacity, age, and respect for prevailing power rotation in the South.
Acknowledging the unwritten southern presidency arrangement, he said a northern candidate could face resistance in southern regions, making it harder for the party to rally support there.
“If you elect someone from the North, convincing the South to give up power will be difficult,” he warned, stressing political realities must be considered.
Despite the caution, Amaechi reaffirmed his commitment to party unity, pledging to support the ADC flagbearer regardless of the candidate’s region.
He also declared his intention to contest for the party’s presidential ticket and vowed to serve a single four-year term, allowing power to revert to the North under the current rotation plan.
Similarly, Peter Obi, another presidential hopeful, has pledged to serve only one term if elected, aligning with the spirit of the zoning arrangement.
Amaechi’s comments follow ADC chieftain Malam Nasir El-Rufai’s reiteration against zoning the party’s ticket, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s confirmation that the party will not enforce zoning.
