The Southern Political Progressive Amalgamation Forum (SPPAF) has cautioned former Vice President Atiku Abubakar against choosing former Minister of Transportation and ex-Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi, as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election, describing him as a “political liability” who could undermine the opposition’s chances of defeating President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement signed by Johnson Iheanacho, Eniafe Ayomide, and Anga Fidelis, and made available to journalists in Asaba, the forum argued that Amaechi’s recent public comments and political record make him unsuitable for the vice-presidential slot on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The group alleged that following the ADC presidential primary, Amaechi devoted more attention to criticising Atiku than promoting the party’s agenda. It recalled that the former minister had reportedly described Atiku as a “serial loser” and publicly dismissed suggestions that he would accept the position of running mate.

According to the forum, such comments created unnecessary tension within the ADC and undermined its image as a credible opposition platform.

SPPAF maintained that Atiku’s presidential ambition had evolved into a broader national movement aimed at unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that selecting a running mate with limited electoral value could weaken the opposition’s momentum ahead of the 2027 general election.

The group further claimed that Amaechi no longer commands significant political influence in Rivers State or the wider South-South region, alleging that he could neither deliver his polling unit, ward nor local government in recent elections.

It argued that a vice-presidential candidate should possess the capacity to attract votes across strategic regions rather than rely solely on the presidential candidate’s political strength.

Reviewing Amaechi’s tenure as Rivers State governor, the forum criticised aspects of his administration, including the prolonged closure of courts, alleged salary and pension arrears, the abandonment of major infrastructure projects such as the state monorail, and the handling of the Independent Power Project initiated during the administration of former governor Peter Odili.

The group also cited a white paper issued during the administration of former governor Nyesom Wike concerning the disposal of power assets, arguing that the developments contributed to Amaechi’s declining political influence.

SPPAF further referenced Amaechi’s role in the 2015 presidential election, when former President Goodluck Jonathan lost his re-election bid, claiming that the former minister has yet to rebuild political goodwill across the South-South.

The forum urged Atiku to consider a credible running mate from the South-East, arguing that such a choice would energise the region and broaden the ADC’s electoral appeal.

It also echoed comments previously made by actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo, who opposed Amaechi’s possible nomination, noting that despite legal and political challenges confronting the ADC, many Nigerians still regard the party as a viable alternative ahead of the 2027 elections.

The group commended leading opposition figures, including Atiku, Peter Obi, David Mark, and Rauf Aregbesola, for championing efforts to build a broad coalition against the APC.

It concluded by urging Atiku to avoid what it described as an “unforced political error,” insisting that the choice of a running mate should strengthen, rather than weaken, the opposition’s chances in the 2027 presidential election.