By Atlantic Reports

Former Rivers State Governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, has called on party members to put aside disagreements arising from the party's presidential primary and concentrate on building a united campaign ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections.

Amaechi made the appeal on Friday during the inauguration of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) in Abuja, where he stressed that internal divisions could distract the opposition party from its electoral objectives.

The former Minister of Transportation said the time for disputes over the party's nomination process had passed, urging members to direct their attention towards the responsibilities of the campaign.

“If we are still quarrelling about the party’s primary, it is over. We have to win elections,” he declared.

His remarks underscored the importance he attached to internal reconciliation as the party prepares for the forthcoming elections.

Amaechi Calls for Unity and Collective Responsibility

Addressing members of the newly inaugurated campaign council, Amaechi said the task ahead would require determination, discipline and cooperation across the party's structures.

He urged members to recognise that electoral campaigns involve organisational challenges that cannot be overcome through individual efforts alone.

According to him, opposition politicians must remain committed to their responsibilities even when confronted with political disagreements or obstacles.

Amaechi also challenged the perception that political incumbency guarantees electoral success.

“Incumbent governments often make the mistake of believing they are invincible and can not be removed,” he said.

His comments reflected his view that opposition parties should not be discouraged by the advantages enjoyed by those already holding political office.

Former Governor Recalls Encounters With Security Officials

Drawing from his previous political experiences, Amaechi recounted incidents in which he alleged that security officials restricted his movements during earlier election campaigns.

He recalled being stopped at Akure Airport in Ondo State, where, according to his account, a military officer advised him to leave because his safety could not be guaranteed.

Amaechi said the incident did not discourage him from continuing his political activities.

He also described another encounter at the airport during which he claimed he was prevented from boarding a flight until political leaders intervened.

The former governor said subsequent developments disrupted his travel arrangements, reinforcing his belief that opposition politicians must prepare for unexpected difficulties.

The circumstances surrounding the incidents, including the dates, the identities of the officials involved and the reasons for the alleged restrictions, were not independently established in the information available for this report.

Opposition Campaigns Require Persistence, Amaechi Says

Amaechi used the experiences to encourage campaign council members to remain focused despite potential political and logistical setbacks.

He maintained that opposition campaigns could involve difficult circumstances requiring persistence, cooperation and a willingness to confront challenges through political engagement.

His account also raised broader questions about the importance of political freedoms, the neutrality of security institutions and the ability of candidates and campaign officials to move freely during elections.

Nigeria's democratic process depends on political parties being able to campaign within the law, while security agencies are expected to discharge their responsibilities without partisan interference.

However, Amaechi's recollections remain his account of past events and do not, on their own, establish misconduct by the officials involved.

ADC's Presidential Primary and the Challenge of Reconciliation

Amaechi's appeal comes months after the ADC presidential primary, which produced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the party's presidential candidate.

The party announced that Atiku secured 1,846,370 votes, while Amaechi finished second with 504,117 votes. Amaechi initially rejected the results, alleging widespread voter disenfranchisement.

Despite those disagreements, the ADC subsequently selected him as Atiku's running mate and announced that both candidates' particulars had been submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

 

The earlier dispute provides important context for Amaechi's latest appeal, suggesting that reconciliation remains a significant issue as the party moves from its nomination process into the general election campaign.

The campaign council was inaugurated by ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, as part of preparations to coordinate the party's nationwide electoral activities.

 

Focus Shifts to 2027 General Elections

With the campaign council inaugurated, Amaechi urged its members to concentrate on their assigned responsibilities and work collectively towards the party's electoral objectives.

His message centred on ending internal disagreements, strengthening cooperation and preparing for the practical demands of campaigning across Nigeria.

For the ADC, the challenge now extends beyond resolving disputes among party leaders. Its campaign will also face public scrutiny over its proposals for addressing economic hardship, insecurity, employment and other concerns affecting Nigerians.

Whether the party can sustain internal cooperation and translate its campaign promises into credible policy proposals will become clearer as electoral activities progress.

Amaechi maintained that members of the campaign council must remain committed to their mandate, emphasising that unity, preparation and persistence would be essential to the party's efforts ahead of 2027.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.