Senator Umeh Clears Obi-Amaechi Meeting Speculation

ABUJA, Nigeria — Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central in the National Assembly, has dismissed reports that Peter Obi’s recent visit to Rotimi Amaechi was an attempt to force the ex-Rivers governor to step down from the 2027 presidential race.

Umeh, an ADC chieftain, made the clarification during Monday’s edition of Arise Television’s Prime Time programme. He insisted the meeting was nothing more than routine political consultation among opposition figures on the African Democratic Congress platform.

NaijaChoice News gathered that the closed-door discussion at Amaechi’s Abuja residence, which also had Senator Umeh and former Imo State Governor Achike Udenwa in attendance, triggered wild speculation in political circles. Some claimed Obi tried to lobby Amaechi to shelve his ambition.

“Obi going to see Mr Rotimi Amaechi was a noble visit with good intention,” Umeh said. “You have to talk to your opponent. They were not talking about stepping down. That’s a misrepresentation.”

The senator argued that such engagements are normal as multiple aspirants position themselves for the ADC ticket. He noted that not all of them can emerge as the party’s presidential candidate at the same time.

“There must be some level of discussions and consultations that will open up a line of decision-making,” Umeh stressed.

Turning to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who has also indicated interest in the ADC ticket, Umeh said the time has come for the Adamawa politician to step aside for younger leaders. Atiku, who has run for president since 2003, commands respect but should now support fresh ideas Nigerians are craving.

The lawmaker warned that the opposition must focus on what ordinary Nigerians want rather than personal ambitions if they hope to dislodge the ruling APC. President Bola Tinubu’s administration, he said, is entrenched and shows no sign of easing grip on power.

Umeh added that aspirants fixated on personal goals risk ignoring the public mood, making it harder to offer the change voters demand.

Political watchers following the ADC consultations have expressed concern that insistence on direct primaries instead of consensus could fracture the party and hand victory to the APC in 2027.