Laolu Akande, a former media adviser to ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, has asked the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to “push forward” experienced southern leaders such as Rotimi Amaechi and Peter Obi as presidential candidates.
Akande stated that Amaechi and Obi are Southern contenders capable of defeating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
He spoke on Friday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily broadcast.
Akande said credible and experienced leaders from the South should be positioned if opposition parties are serious about mounting a strong challenge.
“If they were serious, people like Rotimi Amaechi, people like Peter Obi ought to be the ones to be pushed forward,” he said.
He highlighted Amaechi’s long career in public service, noting his experience across several levels of government.
“Look at Amaechi. Amaechi has been a speaker, he’s been a governor, he’s been a minister. He was second in the APC,” Akande said.
“Tremendous career in politics, opportunities in service. And he was the guy that was in charge of infrastructure development.”
According to him, the opposition needs a southern candidate with strong governance credentials who can stand “head-to-head against President Tinubu.”
Akande also warned that without a strong alternative candidate, former vice president Atiku Abubakar could continue to dominate opposition politics ahead of the next election.
“As things stand now, if you keep on getting the vibes that Atiku wants to do it by his means, he will probably be able to forge his way through by some means, because he seems to be the strongest politician in the party. The shadows of Atiku are still hanging heavily,” he said.
