A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Sowunmi, has warned that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, should not underestimate former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Sowunmi said Amaechi possesses strong political structures, experience and alliances capable of making him a formidable contender if he decides to contest on any serious coalition platform, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, the PDP stalwart said his assessment was informed by years of involvement in high-level presidential campaigns.
He explained that any major coalition ahead of 2027 would likely draw support from both the PDP and elements of the former Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the bloc associated with late President Muhammadu Buhari and now within the APC.
According to Sowunmi, Amaechi could benefit significantly from the internal dynamics of such a coalition, whether the presidential ticket is zoned or thrown open.
“If they throw it open, where do people think the CPC bloc will go? If they zone it, where do they think it will land?” he asked.
Sowunmi added that if Amaechi sustains his ambition and secures backing from influential political actors, including former ministers and power brokers within the APC tendency, he could spring a major political surprise.
“Those who underrate Rotimi Amaechi do so at their own peril. If he doesn’t back down, I’ll be shocked if he doesn’t pull an upset,” he said.
