The Southern Political Progressives Amalgamation Forum has urged the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to reconsider the emergence of former Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, as the running mate to the party’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, warning that the decision could affect the party’s electoral prospects in the 2027 general elections.

In a statement signed by its leaders, Comrades Anga Fidelis, Eniafe Ayomide and Johnson Iheanacho, the group said the ADC should carefully assess its vice-presidential choice to ensure it strengthens the party’s appeal across the country.

The Forum argued that the party should nominate a candidate from Southern Nigeria with broad grassroots support and the capacity to mobilise voters ahead of the general election.

Drawing a comparison with APC vice-presidential candidate Senator Kashim Shettima, the group said successful vice-presidential candidates should possess established political structures capable of complementing the presidential candidate’s campaign.

According to the Forum, the ADC should prioritise what it described as national interest and electoral considerations in making its final decision.

“If the ADC is serious and does not intend to shatter the hopes of millions of Nigerians who see the party as a breath of fresh air and hope for a new and better beginning, it has to select a credible candidate from the Southern part of the country who can galvanise the votes required to win elections,” the statement said.

The group also expressed concern over reports surrounding the party’s internal processes, urging the ADC leadership to ensure transparency, unity and fairness as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

It maintained that internal cohesion and broad stakeholder confidence would be critical to the party’s chances at the polls.

Amaechi, Atiku and the leadership of the ADC had not commented on the Forum’s position as of the time of filing this report.