By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi has called on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to zone its presidential ticket to the South ahead of the next general election, warning that fielding a northern candidate could undermine the party’s appeal in the region.

Speaking in Kano during an interactive session with youth groups, Amaechi advised the ADC leadership to carefully consider Nigeria’s unwieldy but established practice of power rotation. He argued that presenting a northern flag bearer at a time when many southerners expect the presidency to remain in the South would make it difficult to galvanise voter support.

“If you elect somebody from the North, I’m not saying we won’t campaign, but it will be difficult to convince the South to give up power,” Amaechi said. “They will ask the North, ‘Why is it that only when power comes to the South that there is a problem?’”

The former Rivers State governor outlined three critical factors the party must weigh in selecting its candidate: capacity, age, and the prevailing political dynamics—particularly the unwritten understanding that power should rotate to the South.

“First is capacity. Second is age. Third, which is the last point, is to respect the unwritten law of power that is now in the South,” he stated.

Amaechi suggested that a clear zoning decision in favour of the South would ease the path for southern politicians and voters to rally behind the ADC. He further noted that such a move could set the stage for a future transfer of power to the North.

“They should conclude that and then transfer power to the North,” he said. “It makes it easier for those of us from the South to say we are going to compete because the North has said, ‘finish all this.’”

Despite his firm stance on zoning, Amaechi reaffirmed his loyalty to the ADC, emphasising that regional considerations would not influence his commitment to the party. He pledged to support whoever emerges as the standard bearer through the primary process.

“Whether it is a Southerner or a Northerner is immaterial; I will support whoever emerges at the primary,” he said. “But I also advise the ADC to look around and identify the best material that can convince Nigerians that things will be turned around.”

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has raised concerns over an alleged plan by security agencies to arrest him. El-Rufai, now a chieftain of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), disclosed this in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service.

While stating that he has not yet been taken into custody, El-Rufai revealed that at least four of his former aides and associates from his time in office have already been detained. He expressed fears that his own arrest may be imminent.

“About four people we worked with in Kaduna have been arrested. So, it may only be a matter of time before they come for me as well,” he said.

El-Rufai’s remarks come amid heightened public interest in the legal troubles of Abubakar Malami, Nigeria’s former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice. Malami, who is perceived as a key opposition figure critical of President Bola Tinubu, was recently arrested and prosecuted.

He was initially detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of abuse of office and money laundering. Shortly after, he was re-arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) on separate charges related to terrorism financing.

Malami has denied all allegations leveled against him. His case continues to draw widespread attention as legal proceedings unfold.

President Bola Tinubu has nominated Amb. Ismail Abba Yusuf as the new Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON).

The appointment is subject to the Senate’s approval in accordance with the provisions of section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act, 2006.

President Tinubu sent a letter today to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, requesting the expeditious confirmation of Ambassador Yusuf to replace Professor Abdullahi Usman, who resigned this week, after about 14 months in the post.

Ambassador Yusuf is a seasoned Nigerian career diplomat who served as the Nigerian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Türkiye from 2021 to 2024.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information& Strategy)
11 February, 2026