Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, former Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, and former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, have emerged as leading contenders for the vice-presidential slot of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Reliable sources within the party disclosed that consultations on who will serve as the running mate to the ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, have entered a crucial stage, with the trio currently dominating discussions among key stakeholders.

According to party insiders, the selection process is being driven by strategic considerations, including political influence, regional balancing, electoral appeal, governance experience, and national acceptability.

One of the sources said the party leadership is carefully evaluating the strengths and potential challenges associated with each of the three contenders before making a final decision.

“They are looking at different factors, including political strength, regional calculations, governance experience and acceptability across the country. The discussions are ongoing, but these three names are among the leading contenders being seriously considered,” the source disclosed.

Donald Duke, who served as governor of Cross River State from 1999 to 2007, is believed to possess broad appeal beyond traditional party lines. Sources said his name has gained traction amid ongoing talks that could see closer political cooperation between the ADC and the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, where he recently emerged as a presidential candidate.

Rotimi Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State and former Minister of Transportation, is also viewed as a strong contender due to his extensive political network and influence, particularly in the South-South region.

Amaechi finished second in the ADC presidential primary, polling 509,397 votes behind Atiku Abubakar, who secured 1,846,370 votes to clinch the party’s presidential ticket. However, he subsequently rejected the outcome of the exercise, alleging irregularities and voter disenfranchisement.

Emeka Ihedioha, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and former governor of Imo State, is equally being considered because of his legislative experience and political reach in the South-East.

Party sources said the final choice is expected to reflect the ADC’s broader electoral strategy as it seeks to build a formidable coalition capable of challenging the ruling establishment in the 2027 general election.

Atiku, who served as Vice President between 1999 and 2007 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has made several attempts to become Nigeria’s president.

Having contested the presidency in 1993, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023 under different political platforms, the former vice president had earlier suggested that he would not seek the office again after the 2023 election. He later reversed that position, describing the 2027 presidential contest as his final bid for the nation’s highest office.

With consultations intensifying within the ADC and among its allies, political observers believe the choice of a running mate could play a significant role in shaping the dynamics of the 2027 presidential race.