What I discussed with Amaechi — Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has revealed details of his meeting with former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

Atiku stated that their discussions centred on the nation’s economic and security challenges as well as the need for national solutions.

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress made this known in a post via his X handle on Thursday after visiting Amaechi at his Abuja residence on Thursday.

According to him, both leaders held extensive discussions on the “troubling state” of the country and the responsibility of patriotic Nigerians to contribute to efforts aimed at addressing the nation’s challenges.

“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,” Atiku said.

The former vice president also disclosed that he congratulated Amaechi on his birthday during the visit.

Atiku described Amaechi as “a thoroughly well-loaded Gunner,” noting that the former minister took the football banter in good spirits.

“I also felicitated with him on the occasion of his birthday yesterday and teased that Arsenal’s historic triumph could not have arrived at a better time,” he said.

“In true Rivers hospitality, he apologised for not having enough time to prepare Fisherman Soup, a delicacy I have now been promised on our return for the second leg,” Atiku added.

PidomNigeria Online had reported that Atiku emerged as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

The party announced the result on Wednesday night at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, with Atiku defeating Amaechi and former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen in the contest.

According to the official figures released by the party, Atiku polled 1,846,370 votes, while Amaechi secured 504,117 votes and Hayatu-Deen received 177,120 votes.

The party leadership, led by former Senate President David Mark, subsequently presented the ADC flag to Atiku after his victory was declared.

The former vice president also directly appealed to Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen to work with him ahead of the general election.

However, both Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen had rejected the outcome of the primary, alleging irregularities in the voting process. Hayatu-Deen also said he would not attend the announcement of the results.