Premium Times has published a critical analysis of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket, arguing that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s selection of Rotimi Amaechi as his running mate is politically flawed. The opinion piece, written by Azu Ishiekwene, asserts that the pairing fails to deliver the three primary benefits expected of a vice-presidential candidate: broader voter appeal, governing competence, and coalition building. According to the report, Amaechi offers none of these advantages, describing his campaign as "worse than diarrhoea" in its lack of substantive value.
The article contrasts Amaechi’s selection with Atiku’s previous choice, former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who was selected primarily for his ability to mobilize financial support from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stronghold. In contrast, the report claims Amaechi brings no financial leverage or political credibility. The author highlights Amaechi’s history of shifting political allegiances, noting his transition from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the ADC. The piece argues that Amaechi’s recent criticisms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former President Muhammadu Buhari appear opportunistic, suggesting he "discovers conscience only after losing a ticket."
Ishiekwene scrutinizes Amaechi’s tenure as Transport Minister under Buhari, particularly regarding the Abuja-Kaduna rail project. While acknowledging the project's completion, the report raises questions about the escalating costs, noting the initial valuation of $500 million in 2013 ballooned to $3 billion, with Phase II costing $1.473 billion. The author argues that Amaechi’s defense of the borrowing model failed to address whether Nigeria could maintain or repay the debt, framing the infrastructure expansion as part of a broader debt crisis rather than a developmental success.
The critique also addresses Amaechi’s recent political rhetoric, including his claim that eight million children have dropped out of school and his characterization of Tinubu’s economic policies as fatal. The report suggests these statements are selective and diversionary, lacking detailed policy explanations. It notes that critics, including Adams Oshiomhole, have pointed out the irony of Amaechi, who previously sued Atiku over a primary election dispute, now sharing a ticket with him. The article concludes that without a clear philosophical thread connecting his past actions to his current opposition stance, voters may view his conversion as merely ambitious rather than principled.