By The Metro 
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar is nearing a decision on his running mate for the 2027 general election as consultations within the party continue.
According to The Whistler, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha and former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke have emerged as leading contenders for the vice-presidential ticket.
Sources familiar with the discussions told The Whistler that consultations on the choice of a running mate have reached an advanced stage, with the three politicians currently under consideration.
Amaechi, a former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, finished second in the ADC presidential primary behind Atiku Abubakar, who emerged as the party’s candidate. He secured over 500,000 votes in the contest. He later rejected the outcome of the primary, alleging irregularities and voter exclusion.
Ihedioha, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and former Governor of Imo State, is also being considered based on his experience in both legislative and executive roles.
Donald Duke, who governed Cross River State between 1999 and 2007, is also among the leading names under consideration. Some political observers believe he could attract broader national support, while others have raised concerns about his long absence from active politics.
The Whistler reported that possible political alignment between the ADC and the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) could also influence discussions around the final selection.
Atiku Abubakar served as Vice President between 1999 and 2007 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo. He has contested Nigeria’s presidency in several elections under different political platforms.
Although he had previously indicated after the 2023 election that he would no longer run for president, he later returned to the race, describing the 2027 election as his final attempt.