Atiku Abubakar's search for a running mate has become the hottest topic in Nigerian politics. The ADC primary elections wrapped up weeks ago, but his choice of vice-presidential candidate remains unclear.
Atiku won the ADC primary with the largest vote share. He's now weighing multiple options across Nigeria's major regions.
Southeast names dominate early speculation about his running mate. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the WTO director-general, has been mentioned prominently in conversations.
But Okonjo-Iweala isn't interested, according to Arise News politics director Sumner Sambo. She took over as WTO boss on March 1, 2021, becoming the first woman and first African to hold the position.
Her second term started in September 2023. She'll serve until 2029, Sambo noted.
"Okonjo-Iweala is not willing to abandon a lucrative job as DG of the World Trade Organisation," Sambo told reporters. "She's made it known to them, and that is understandable because she just resumed in September and has a tenure running till 2029."
Former Imo State governor Emeka Ihedioha is another name circulating. The ex-House Speaker and current ADC member is among those Atiku is quietly evaluating.
Ihedioha served as Speaker before becoming governor. His political stature makes him a credible option, observers say.
But Southeast isn't Atiku's only focus. He's also looking southward to the South South region.
Rotimi Amaechi, a two-term Rivers State governor and former Transportation Minister, has caught Atiku's attention. The two met privately on Monday, though neither disclosed details.
Political insiders believe the closed-door meeting concerned the vice-presidential slot. Amaechi was also a presidential aspirant in the ADC primary.
An APC chieftain threw cold water on Southeast ambitions. Sogbeye Eli said picking someone from that region won't deliver votes to Atiku in 2027.
Peter Obi's dominance in the Southeast poses a real problem, Eli argued. The former Labour Party candidate commands enormous loyalty there.
"Atiku has no room for votes from a vice-presidential candidate from both the South-East and South-West," he told reporters in an interview. His reasoning: regional allegiances already favour Obi and others.
Eli's analysis reflects wider concerns among political analysts. A running mate can't simply deliver votes from their home zone anymore.
Atiku's 2019 choice was Peter Obi, then with the NDC. In 2023, he picked Ifeanyi Okowa, the Delta State governor.
Both picks were from the Southeast and South South respectively. Neither boosted his performance in those regions significantly.
Amid the uncertainty, Dele Momodu has taken matters into his own hands. The ADC chieftain and former presidential aspirant posted a flyer on social media.
The image portrayed him as Atiku's running mate. It wasn't clear if Momodu consulted with Atiku before the move.
Political watchers are watching closely. Atiku's final decision could reshape the 2027 race dramatically.
