Otubanjo: Amaechi 'not an asset' for presidency, Atiku wins ADC ticket
Prof. Femi Otubanjo, Director of Research at Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, expressed surprise that former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi is vying for presidency, calling him 'not an asset' for the race. Speaking on Arise News TV, Otubanjo argued Nigerians treat politics like 'incantation' when they repeatedly pursue presidential ambitions.
The ADC chieftain further criticized Amaechi for contesting the party's presidential primary against former VP Atiku Abubakar, stating Amaechi 'should not have bothered himself.' Otubanjo expressed pessimism about Atiku's chances in Southern Nigeria, noting ADC has no prominent southern members except Amaechi, whom he dismissed as lacking presidential qualities.
Meanwhile, Atiku defeated Amaechi to emerge ADC presidential candidate for 2027. However, Amaechi rejected results, claiming they were 'written in hotel room' and describing the primary as a 'shameless auction.' Despite this, Atiku vowed to personally visit Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen to seek support, begging them to 'join him to save Nigeria's democracy.'