By Emma Sunday
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Rivers State, Dr. Joseph Ile, has declared that the party has the brightest prospect of winning the 2027 presidential election, citing the strength of its presidential ticket and growing public dissatisfaction with the ruling APC.
Dr. Ile made the assertion on Saturday in Ubima, Ikwerre Local Government Area, while speaking with newsmen on the sidelines of the funeral of Late Mrs. Mary Orduah, mother of the former Minister of Transportation and ex-governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.
He said the ADC presidential candidate and former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, will defeat incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC and Mr. Peter Obi of the NDC in 2027.
The Rivers ADC leader expressed strong optimism about the outcome of the next general election insisting that “ADC will emerge victorious with ease.
“I can assure Nigerians that Atiku Abubakar will win the 2027 presidential election. Nigerians are tired of hardship and bad governance. ADC is presenting a credible alternative, and with the structures we are putting in place nationwide, Atiku will win convincingly. We do not need any last-minute coalition to defeat the APC because the people have already made up their minds,” he said.
Dr. Ile also described the selection of the former Minister of Transportation and ex-Rivers Governor, Chibuike Amaechi, as Atiku’s running mate as a strategic advantage for the party.
“The choice of the ex-Minister of Transportation and former Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi as vice presidential candidate is a big boost and a major added advantage for Atiku to win.
“Amaechi is a proven administrator, a grassroots mobilizer, and a bridge between the South and the rest of the country. So, his experience in governance and his connection with the people will add enormous value to the ticket and make it difficult to beat,” he stated.
Speaking on the electoral dynamics, the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, ONELGA-born politician said the South’s votes would be split in to the advantage of the ADC.
“While Atiku will secure overwhelming support in the North, President Tinubu’s votes in the South will be divided between Peter Obi and Amaechi. That division automatically gives ADC a clear advantage in 2027,” Dr. Ile added.
He expressed confidence that Atiku and the ADC will win the election seamlessly, stressing that there would be no need for coalition to defeat Tinubu.
The party chieftain further hinged his projection on the performance of the current administration, identifying the economy as the APC’s greatest undoing.
“The greatest failure of this government is the economy. Nigerians are suffering under hyperinflation, rising cost of food, hunger, fuel, and basic services. The purchasing power of the people has collapsed. That alone will work against the APC in 2027,” he said.
On why he believes Atiku will win, Dr. Ile cited the former Vice President’s national appeal and experience.
“Atiku has contested before, he understands the country, and he has a blueprint for reviving the economy and unifying Nigeria. He enjoys goodwill across the North and has acceptability in critical parts of the South. That combination of experience, structure, and public desire for change will deliver victory for ADC,” he said.
Dr. Ile also used the occasion to commiserate with Amaechi over the death of his mother, describing Late Mrs. Mary Orduah as a virtuous and industrious woman.
“We share in the grief of our leader, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and the entire family. Mama Orduah was a virtuous and industrious woman who lived a life of service and raised a son who served Rivers State and Nigeria with distinction. We pray God grants her soul eternal rest and gives the family the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss,” he said.
