Amaechi, Ihedioha, Duke Jostle for ADC Vice Presidential Slot

Three former state governors — Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, Emeka Ihedioha of Imo State, and Donald Duke of Cross River State — have risen to the forefront as top candidates vying for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice presidential slot.

The Whistler reports that party sources said consultations over who will run with the ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, have reached the final stage.

A source familiar with the discussions said the party is considering several factors before settling on a running mate.

“They are looking at different factors, including political strength, regional calculations and acceptability across the country,” the source said.

Amaechi, who served as Minister of Transportation and later contested the ADC presidential primary, came second behind Atiku with 509,397 votes.

He has, however, rejected the outcome of the primary, citing alleged irregularities and widespread disenfranchisement.

Ihedioha, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and former governor of Imo State, is also being considered due to his legislative and executive experience.

Duke, who governed Cross River State from 1999 to 2007, is viewed by some party figures as a candidate who could attract support beyond traditional party lines, although questions remain about his current political strength.

Atiku emerged as the ADC presidential candidate after polling 1,846,370 votes in the party’s primary.

The former vice president, who served under President Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007, has made several attempts to win the presidency.

He had previously contested or sought the office in 1993, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023.

Atiku has described the 2027 race as his “last outing.”