ADC primaries: Amaechi speaks on zoning of party’s presidential ticket

Former Minister of Transportation and presidential aspirant on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rotimi Amaechi, has said he takes no particular stance on the zoning of the party’s presidential ticket.

Amaechi, while speaking ahead of the ADC’s primaries said his belief in the principle of zoning is both “yes and no.”

He made the remarks while addressing questions on power rotation and his chances in the race.

“Do I believe in zoning? The answer is yes and no!

“Yes in the sense that the country, for now, Nigeria is yet to be found as a united entity. So, if it is the turn of the South, it is the turn of the South,” Amaechi said.

He, however, noted that since former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a major contender in the party primary,  does not believe in zoning, the matter should be settled at the election.

“But Vice President Atiku Abubakar said he doesn’t believe in it so, so that’s okay… let’s go to the primary,” Amaechi said.

When asked about his prospects against Atiku Abubakar and a fellow aspirant Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, the former Transportation Minister simply said, “I wish them luck.”

Amaechi used the opportunity to caution party leaders and Nigerians against playing divisive North-South politics.

He recounted warning a colleague that a Tinubu presidency would lead to accountability measures, a prediction he said came to pass.

He also referenced advising an elderly figure in the Muhammadu Buhari administration about potential difficulties under a new government.

“The same way I am talking to my colleagues and brothers from the North, let’s not play North-South politics; it’s not necessary.

“I don’t do it, and I will not do it,” he said.

Amaechi further declared his preference for a nationalist approach to leadership, citing former President Olusegun Obasanjo as a model.

“I want to copy President Obasanjo; he’s a huge nationalist. You may not like him; I had disagreements with him, but he’s a Nigerian president, not a Yoruba president,” Amaechi said.

He added that he would rather complete a tenure and be remembered as a Nigerian president than win on the strength of regional affiliation.