Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has congratulated former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi on his 61st birthday, describing him as a patriot whose years in public service continue to inspire Nigerians.
Amaechi, born on May 27, 1965, in Ubima, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, marked his birthday on Wednesday amid ongoing tensions surrounding the presidential primary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a message posted on his X account, Atiku praised Amaechi’s contributions to both Rivers State and the country.
“Happy Birthday to my brother and fellow patriot, H.E. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi,” Atiku wrote.
“Your courage, conviction, and years of service to Rivers State and Nigeria continue to inspire many across the nation.
“I wish you good health, strength, and many more years of impactful service to our dear country.”
Atiku and Amaechi are among the leading contenders for the ADC’s 2027 presidential ticket alongside Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, former managing director of the defunct FSB International Bank.
The party conducted its nationwide direct presidential primary on Monday, with results already announced in 24 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
States where results have so far been declared include Borno, Kebbi, Anambra, Abia, Ekiti, Ondo, Gombe, Oyo, Imo, Yobe, Nasarawa, Enugu, Benue, Osun, Adamawa, Kogi, Kano, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, Zamfara and the FCT.
Early results indicate that Atiku is leading in most of the states announced and could emerge winner of the exercise.
However, the outcome of the primary has sparked controversy, with both Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen rejecting the process over alleged irregularities and voter disenfranchisement.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Amaechi described the figures released from the exercise as “concocted,” insisting he would not accept results from a process that failed to reflect the democratic principles the party promised to uphold.
Hayatu-Deen also questioned the credibility of the exercise, saying the process fell short of accepted standards of fairness and transparency.
