Battle for Atiku’s running mate intensifies as Okonjo-Iweala exits contest

…. Amaechi, Ihedioha top list

With the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary now concluded and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar confirmed as the party’s flag bearer for the 2027 presidential election, political attention has swiftly shifted to one critical question: who will emerge as his running mate?

The search for a vice-presidential candidate is already generating intense debate within political circles, with prominent figures from the South-East and South-South regions reportedly under consideration as Atiku seeks to build a formidable ticket capable of challenging rivals in the next general election.

South-East Option Gains Momentum

Sources within the ADC suggest that Atiku is seriously considering the South-East geopolitical zone, a region many political analysts believe could prove crucial in determining the outcome of the 2027 election.

Among the names that have surfaced in recent weeks are Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha.

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However, hopes of drafting Okonjo-Iweala into partisan politics appear to have suffered a setback.

According to Sumner Sambo, Director of Politics at Arise News, the WTO chief has made it clear that she is not interested in abandoning her international role to participate in Nigeria’s political contest.

Sambo disclosed that Okonjo-Iweala had communicated her position directly to Atiku’s camp, citing her ongoing responsibilities at the WTO.

“Okonjo-Iweala is not willing to actually leave a lucrative job as Director-General of the World Trade Organization to consider that.

She has made it known to them, and that is understandable because she only recently commenced her second term, which runs until 2029,” Sambo stated.

Okonjo-Iweala made history in March 2021 when she became both the first woman and first African to head the WTO. Her second term in office is expected to run until 2029, making a return to domestic politics highly unlikely.

Ihedioha’s Name Gains Traction

With Okonjo-Iweala effectively ruling herself out, attention has increasingly focused on Ihedioha.

The former Imo State governor, who is also a member of the ADC, is believed to be among the leading figures being quietly evaluated by Atiku and his political strategists.

Political observers argue that Ihedioha’s legislative experience, political reach and influence in the South-East could make him a strong contender for the vice-presidential slot.

Amaechi Also in the Mix

Beyond the South-East, indications have emerged that Atiku may also be considering the South-South region.

One of the most talked-about names in this regard is former Minister of Transportation and ex-Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi.

READ ALSO: Atiku, Dele Momodu speculation grows as 2027 ADC ticket sparks running mate debate

Amaechi, who contested the ADC presidential primary against Atiku, remains one of the party’s most influential figures.

Speculation intensified after reports emerged that Atiku held a closed-door meeting with Amaechi on Monday. Although details of the meeting were not disclosed, political insiders believe discussions may have included possible collaboration ahead of the 2027 election.

The development has fueled rumours that the former Rivers governor could be under consideration as a potential running mate.

APC Chieftain Dismisses South-East Strategy

Not everyone is convinced that selecting a South-East candidate would significantly boost Atiku’s electoral fortunes.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sogbeye Eli, argued that the influence of Labour Party leader Peter Obi in the South-East remains strong and could limit any gains Atiku hopes to make in the region.

According to Eli, choosing a running mate from either the South-East or South-West may not substantially increase Atiku’s vote tally.

“Atiku has little room to gain votes from a vice-presidential candidate drawn from either the South-East or South-West,” he stated.

Atiku Camp: Competence Will Determine Choice

Responding to the growing speculation, Atiku’s Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, stressed that the selection process would be guided by competence rather than political symbolism.

Shaibu said discussions about specific regions or individuals remain premature but emphasized that the ADC candidate is focused on assembling a leadership team capable of addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges.

He maintained that the vice-presidential office should no longer be treated as a ceremonial position.

“The decision will ultimately be guided by what best serves the national interest and strengthens the mission of rescuing Nigeria,” Shaibu said.

“Nigeria needs a governing team, not a sole administrator. The Vice President must be someone who can contribute meaningfully to governance, policy formulation, economic management, national cohesion and the broader task of rebuilding the country.”

Analysts Back South-East Choice

Legal practitioner Maduabuchi Idam believes Atiku’s strongest political option may lie in selecting a running mate from the South-East.

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According to him, such a move would promote inclusiveness, strengthen national cohesion and potentially reduce Peter Obi’s dominance in the region.

He argued that excluding the South-East from the presidential ticket could trigger voter apathy and weaken the ADC’s chances of securing broad national support.

“If Atiku intends to seriously challenge Peter Obi’s influence in the South-East, choosing a running mate from the region may be strategically necessary,” Idam said.

He added that meaningful representation for the South-East in a future administration would help foster a stronger sense of belonging and national unity.

Whether he ultimately settles for a South-East political heavyweight such as Ihedioha, a South-South power broker like Amaechi, or another surprise candidate entirely, the decision is likely to shape political alignments, regional calculations and electoral strategies in the months ahead.