Some public affairs and political analysts from Southern Nigeria have criticised the reported emergence of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as the running mate to the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The analysts, Johnson Iheanacho, Eniafe Ayomide and Anga Fidelis, argued in a statement issued on Friday that Amaechi’s selection could undermine Atiku’s chances of defeating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.

According to them, if the report that Atiku has settled on Amaechi as his running mate is accurate, it raises questions about the ADC candidate’s strategy and determination to secure victory at the polls.

They argued that while Atiku is expected to command significant support in Northern Nigeria, he also requires a running mate capable of attracting substantial votes across the South.

The analysts claimed that Amaechi lacks the political influence needed to mobilise votes in the Niger Delta and other southern states, alleging that he would struggle to deliver electoral support even in his own ward and local government area in Rivers State.

They further maintained that defeating the ruling party would require a strong and widely accepted ticket capable of appealing to voters across the country, insisting that Amaechi does not fit that profile.

The group urged Atiku to carefully consider the political implications of his choice of running mate, warning that the decision could have a significant impact on the ADC’s prospects in the 2027 presidential election.