Amaechi: If there is free and fair election, he might get 25% in Rivers, but he cannot win Rivers – Ogun Reveals

National Democratic Congress (NDC) chieftain, Sergius Ogun, has cast doubt on the ability of a potential alliance between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi to secure victory in Rivers State during the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking in an interview on SYMFONI, Ogun argued that while Amaechi remains a prominent political figure with a record of public service and infrastructure development, electoral realities in the state have changed significantly over the years.

The discussion centered on speculation that Amaechi could emerge as a running mate to Atiku under a coalition platform and potentially help the former vice president expand his support in the South-South region.

However, Ogun insisted that political influence accumulated during previous years in office does not necessarily guarantee electoral success in the current political climate.

According to him, many voters now focus more on present realities than on achievements recorded during past administrations. He noted that maintaining political structures and voter loyalty over a decade outside executive power is often difficult, regardless of a politician’s popularity.

Ogun acknowledged Amaechi’s accomplishments as governor and minister but argued that support for Peter Obi remains strong among significant segments of the Rivers electorate, including both indigenous residents and members of the state’s large Igbo population.

During the interview, he maintained that Rivers State would remain highly competitive in any future presidential contest conducted under transparent conditions.

Addressing the possibility of Atiku carrying the state with Amaechi on the ticket, Ogun stated: “If there is free and fair election, he might get 25% in River State, but he cannot win River State.”

He repeated the position several times during the conversation, arguing that a combination of demographic factors, shifting political loyalties, and the continued influence of the Obedient Movement would make it difficult for Atiku to emerge victorious in the oil-rich state.

Ogun further contended that Atiku’s challenge extends beyond Rivers State. He suggested that the former vice president may struggle to attract substantial support across much of southern Nigeria, despite expectations among some political observers that a northern candidate could benefit from a fragmented southern vote.

The NDC chieftain also argued that the outcome of the 2027 election would largely depend on whether the process is free, fair, and credible. According to him, a level playing field would allow voters to make choices without interference and produce a result that accurately reflects public sentiment.

As political consultations and coalition talks continue ahead of the next election cycle, Rivers State is expected to remain one of the key battlegrounds that could influence the national outcome.

Ogun’s comments add to the growing debate among political stakeholders over the strength of emerging alliances and the shifting balance of power ahead of 2027.