An old video featuring former Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has resurfaced online, reigniting political conversations over his earlier assessment of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s chances of defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
In the video, Amaechi is heard arguing that Atiku Abubakar was not electable and could not defeat President Tinubu.
«“Atiku Abubakar is not electable. He cannot defeat President Tinubu.”»
The statement, attributed to Amaechi earlier in 2026, has taken on a very different political meaning following developments within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
At the time the comment was made, Amaechi was himself positioning for the ADC presidential ticket. He was eventually cleared alongside Atiku and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen to participate in the party’s presidential primary.
The political equation changed dramatically after the ADC primary. Atiku emerged as the party’s presidential candidate after polling 1,846,370 votes, while Amaechi finished second with 504,117 votes.
Amaechi initially challenged the outcome of the primary in court, alleging irregularities in the process. However, the dispute was eventually withdrawn after the parties reached an agreement, with the Federal High Court in Abuja subsequently striking out the case.
Then came the twist that has now given the resurfaced video a new political flavour.
On June 15, 2026, the ADC formally announced Amaechi as Atiku’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election. The party described the combination as a “unity and rescue ticket,” presenting it as an alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The party subsequently uploaded the particulars of Atiku and Amaechi to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination portal, further formalising their positions on the ADC ticket.
That development has naturally made the resurfaced video a subject of political mockery and debate.
The irony is difficult to miss: the man who was previously quoted as saying that Atiku was not electable and could not defeat Tinubu is now standing beside Atiku as his running mate, campaigning for the same presidential ticket and seeking to help deliver victory against the incumbent.
Supporters of the opposition alliance may view the development as evidence of political maturity, compromise and the willingness to put personal ambitions aside for a larger objective. Critics, however, are likely to see it as another example of the fluid and sometimes contradictory nature of Nigerian politics.
And that is where the popular political jibe comes in:
“ADC against ADC — Gambari pa Fulani ko lejo ninu.”
The resurfaced video therefore provides more than just another political clip for social media. It highlights how quickly political positions can change when alliances, ambitions and electoral calculations shift.
Whether Amaechi’s earlier assessment of Atiku eventually proves right or wrong will ultimately be determined at the ballot box. But for now, the resurfacing of his old comment has handed Nigerians another striking example of the unpredictable nature of the 2027 political contest.
From presidential aspirants becoming running mates to former rivals becoming political partners, the emerging ADC story demonstrates one enduring reality of Nigerian politics: today’s opponent can become tomorrow’s ally when the political equation changes.
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