Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has reportedly appealed to Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Transportation and ex-Rivers State Governor, to shelve his 2027 presidential ambition in favour of his own bid on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
According to The LEADERSHIP, the appeal was made during a closed-door meeting held over the weekend at Amaechi’s residence in Abuja, where Obi was accompanied by former Imo State Governor Achike Udenwa and Senator Victor Umeh.
A source at the meeting disclosed that Amaechi “politely rejected the request,” insisting that his decision to contest the presidency was serious and not mere grandstanding.
Both Obi and Amaechi have repeatedly stated they would not accept the position of running mate in 2027. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has also declared interest in the ADC presidential ticket.
A staunch ally of Amaechi and ADC chieftain, Chief Eze Eze, confirmed that the former minister has no intention of stepping down for anyone.
“Amaechi believes that if he loses the primaries, he would support whoever wins and would expect the same support from other contenders if he wins… As of now, Amaechi is not stepping down for anybody,” Eze said.
Obi’s media office, however, described the meeting as part of continued consultations with key stakeholders and denied that Obi “begged” Amaechi to step down.
“At no time during the interaction did Obi beg Amaechi to step down for him. Obi informed Amaechi that he was running for the ADC ticket and asked for his support. Amaechi also told Obi that he was in the race… They agreed to work together in the interest of the party and the nation,” the statement read.
The development signals an early but intense power struggle within the ADC as the party prepares for its primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026.
