2027: Let’s go to primaries since you reject zoning – Amaechi challenges Atiku

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has challenged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to contest openly in the party primaries, following Atiku’s stance against zoning.

Amaechi made the remarks on Monday during an interview on Trust TV while responding to questions about the political direction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The ADC chieftain stated that he hopes the upcoming primary election would mark the first time Atiku loses a primary contest.

Speaking on his readiness for the race, the former Rivers State governor said, “Atiku said he does not like zoning, so let’s go to primaries.

“I listen when said he has never failed the primaries before. I hope this will be the first time he fails the primaries.

“That is not the issue, the issue is that every time he has passed the primaries, he has not won the election.”

Amaechi also urged politicians to avoid promoting division along regional lines, stressing the need for national unity rather than North-South politics.

“You see as I’m talking to my colleagues and brothers in the North, let’s not play North and South politics. It’s not necessary. I don’t do it and I will not do it,” he stated.

The former minister further said he admired former President Olusegun Obasanjo for what he described as his nationalist outlook.

“I would like to copy former president Olusegun Obasanjo. He’s a huge nationalist. You may not like him. But he was a Nigerian President and not a Yoruba President,” Amaechi added.

When asked what his chances would be if businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen eventually steps down for Atiku, Amaechi simply wished them well.