Amaechi, Okonjo-Iweala, Akinwumi Adesina emerge in Atiku VP calculations

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is reportedly weighing several options for his vice-presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with sources indicating that former Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Akinwumi Adesina are among the names under consideration.

Sources familiar with ongoing consultations within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) told Very Nigerian that discussions are intensifying as Atiku moves to complete his presidential ticket following his emergence as the party’s flag bearer.

According to the sources, Okonjo-Iweala’s name has featured prominently in internal conversations due to her long-standing working relationship with Atiku during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007, when she served as Minister of Finance while Atiku was Vice President.

Party insiders believe her international profile, economic credentials and reputation in global financial circles could strengthen the ADC’s message on economic recovery and governance at a time when economic issues are expected to dominate the 2027 campaign.

Sources also said Akinwumi Adesina is being considered because of his extensive experience in development finance, agriculture and economic policy. Supporters of the idea argue that his global standing and record at the African Development Bank could add significant technocratic weight to the ADC ticket.

However, sources disclosed that pressure is also mounting on Atiku to consider former Rivers State governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, who finished behind him during the ADC presidential primary.

Amaechi’s supporters are said to be pushing for his inclusion on the ticket, arguing that he would help strengthen the party’s appeal in the South-South and other parts of southern Nigeria while also rewarding his contribution to the party’s presidential contest.

Although no final decision has been reached, insiders said consultations remain ongoing and Atiku is expected to unveil his running mate in the coming days as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 presidential election.

Neither Atiku nor the ADC has officially confirmed any of the names being linked to the vice-presidential slot, but speculation over the party’s eventual choice continues to gather momentum within political circles.

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