ADC Presidential candidate, AtikuAbubakar and former Minister, Rotimi Amaechi during a courtesy visit in Abuja. Photo credit: @Atiku/X
Former Vice President and newly declared presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, on Wednesday visited former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Chief Rotimi Amaechi, at his Abuja residence, where both leaders discussed the state of the nation and the urgent need to address Nigeria’s growing challenges.
The visit came barely hours after Atiku emerged victorious in the ADC presidential primaries, further fueling political conversations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement shared on his official X account, Atiku said his meeting with Amaechi centred on the worsening economic hardship, insecurity and the collective responsibility of patriotic Nigerians to help steer the country away from what he described as “drift and despair.”
“This afternoon, I visited my brother and compatriot, former Governor of Rivers State and ex-Minister of Transportation, Chief Rotimi Amaechi, at his Abuja residence,” Atiku wrote.
“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.”
The former Vice President also used the occasion to celebrate Amaechi, who marked his birthday a day earlier, while adding a touch of humour to their meeting through football banter.
“I also felicitated with him on the occasion of his birthday yesterday and teased that Arsenal’s historic triumph could not have arrived at a better time. Chief Amaechi, a thoroughly well-loaded Gunner, took the banter in very good spirits,” he stated.
Atiku further revealed that the former minister jokingly apologised for not preparing Fisherman Soup, a popular delicacy associated with Rivers State hospitality.
“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,” Atiku added with a laughing emoji.
The meeting between the two prominent political figures is expected to generate political interest, especially coming shortly after Atiku secured the ADC presidential ticket ahead of the next election cycle.
