Previous media advisor to former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Laolu Akande, has encouraged the African Democratic Congress, ADC, to “advance” seasoned southern politicians like Rotimi Amaechi and Peter Obi as presidential contenders.
Akande remarked that Amaechi and Obi are southern contenders capable of contesting against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
He articulated this on Friday during a segment on Sunrise Daily, a show on Channels Television.
Akande asserted that credible and seasoned leaders from the South must be positioned if opposition parties intend to present a formidable challenge.
“If they were earnest, individuals like Rotimi Amaechi, individuals like Peter Obi should be the ones to be promoted,” he stated.
He underscored Amaechi’s extensive journey in public service, emphasizing his expertise across various levels of governance.
“Observe Amaechi. Amaechi has served as a speaker, he’s been a governor, he’s been a minister. He was second in the APC,” Akande noted.
“Remarkable career in politics, opportunities in service. Furthermore, he was the person responsible for infrastructure development.”
In his view, the opposition requires a southern candidate with robust governance credentials who can contest “face-to-face against President Tinubu.”
Akande also cautioned that without a formidable alternative candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar might continue to dominate opposition dynamics leading up to the next election.
“Given the current scenario, if you continue to sense that Atiku wants to proceed on his terms, he will likely manage to navigate his path through various means, as he appears to be the most influential politician in the party. The specter of Atiku continues to loom large,” he remarked.
