Nigeria’s Economy, Insecurity Dominated My Meeting With Amaechi — Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has disclosed details of his recent meeting with former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, saying their discussions focused on Nigeria’s economic challenges, insecurity and the need for collective national solutions.

Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), shared the update in a post on his X handle on Thursday after visiting Amaechi at his residence in Abuja.

He said both men held extensive discussions on what he described as the “troubling state” of the country and the responsibility of patriotic Nigerians to engage in efforts aimed at addressing national problems.

“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 said.

He also revealed that he used the visit to congratulate Amaechi on his birthday.

“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,” he said.

Atiku described Amaechi as “a thoroughly well-loaded Gunner,” adding that the former minister took the football banter in good spirit.

“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,” Atiku added.

Atiku recently emerged as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following the party’s primary election held on Monday.

The party announced the result at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, where Atiku defeated Amaechi and former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.

According to official figures, Atiku polled 1,846,370 votes, Amaechi scored 504,117 votes, while Hayatu-Deen received 177,120 votes.

The declaration was made by the party leadership led by former Senate President David Mark, who presented the ADC flag to Atiku after the announcement.

Atiku has also called on Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen to work with him ahead of the general election.

However, both Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen have rejected the outcome of the primary, alleging irregularities in the voting process.