Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar today, Thursday, May 28, 2026, paid a courtesy visit to Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi at his residence in Abuja, following the conclusion of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primaries, in a move widely interpreted as a fulfilment of the pledge Atiku made in his acceptance speech after emerging the party’s presidential candidate, and also an effort to heal rifts within the opposition and project unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In his acceptance speech, however, Atiku struck a conciliatory tone, declaring there were “no winners and no losers” and pledging to personally reach out to other aspirants to forge a united front.
In a detailed statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Atiku provided insight into the tone and content of the closed-door meeting and described the encounter as one of “warmth and camaraderie” that went beyond pleasantries to address core national issues.
According to Atiku, both leaders had “deep and honest conversations” about the worsening economic hardship, insecurity, and the urgent need for patriotic Nigerians to help rescue the country from its current challenges.
“Beyond the warmth and camaraderie, we had deep and honest conversations about the troubling state of our nation, the growing economic pain, insecurity, and the urgent responsibility on patriotic Nigerians to continue engaging in the search for solutions that can rescue our country from drift and despair,” Atiku wrote.
The meeting was also not without its personal and light-hearted elements, as Atiku felicitated Amaechi on his recent birthday and engaged in banter over their shared support for English Premier League club Arsenal, which had recently achieved a notable triumph, describing Amaechi as a “well-loaded Gunner,” while revealing an earlier promise of Fisherman Soup, a local Rivers and Niger Delta delicacy.
In typical Rivers State hospitality, Amaechi then reportedly apologized for not being able to prepare the “Fisherman Soup” for his guest on such short notice, promising to host Atiku properly for a “second leg.” which Atiku humorously acknowledged in his statement.
Atiku’s post on X (formerly known as Twitter), is published in full below:
This afternoon, I visited my brother and compatriot, former Governor of Rivers State and ex-Minister of Transportation, Chief Rotimi Amaechi, at his Abuja residence.
Beyond the warmth and camaraderie, we had deep and honest conversations about the troubling state of our nation, the growing economic pain, insecurity, and the urgent responsibility on patriotic Nigerians to continue engaging in the search for solutions that can rescue our country from drift and despair.
I also felicitated with him on the occasion of his birthday yesterday and teased that Arsenal’s historic triumph could not have arrived at a better time. Chief Amaechi, a thoroughly well-loaded Gunner, took the banter in very good spirits.
In true Rivers hospitality, he apologised for not having enough time to prepare Fisherman Soup, a delicacy I have now been promised on our return for the second leg -AA
In a short and encouraging response, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, acknowledged the visit and posted the following message on his verified social media handles:
It is reassuring to witness leaders having open and honest conversations about the nation, transcending political affiliations and media presence. 🤍🇳🇬 Nigeria urgently requires sincere dialogue, courage and solutions rooted in patriotism, not self-interest.
Tinubu must Go
The visit comes barely 24 hours after Atiku secured the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in a landslide victory during the party’s primaries and amid ongoing political discussions and reactions trailing the ADC presidential primary election, where both leaders played prominent roles ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku Abubakar was accompanied by Senator Aminu Tambuwal, Chief Ralph Nwosu, and other party leaders.