Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has disclosed that his meeting with former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, focused on Nigeria’s worsening economic and security situation and the urgent need for solutions to the country’s challenges.
Atiku made this known on Thursday in a post on his X handle after visiting Amaechi at his Abuja residence.
The meeting came shortly after Atiku emerged as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 general election, defeating Amaechi and former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen at the party’s primary election in Abuja.
According to Atiku, the discussions with Amaechi centred on the state of the nation and the responsibility of leaders and patriotic Nigerians to work towards rescuing the country from its current difficulties.
“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 stated.
The former vice president also said he used the opportunity to celebrate Amaechi’s birthday and exchanged light-hearted football banter with the former minister over Arsenal’s recent achievement.
Atiku described Amaechi as “a thoroughly well-loaded Gunner,” adding that the former Rivers governor received the jokes in good spirits.
He further disclosed that Amaechi apologised for not preparing Fisherman Soup during the visit but promised to host him with the delicacy during another meeting.
“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,” he added.
Atiku was declared winner of the ADC presidential primary held at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
According to official results announced by the party, Atiku polled 1,846,370 votes to defeat Amaechi, who secured 504,117 votes, while Hayatu-Deen received 177,120 votes.
Following the exercise, the ADC leadership led by former Senate President David Mark presented the party’s flag to Atiku as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
Atiku had also appealed to Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen to join hands with him in strengthening the party ahead of the general election.
However, both Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen rejected the outcome of the primary, alleging irregularities in the voting process. Hayatu-Deen also declined to attend the official announcement of the results.
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