A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Sowunmi, has cautioned former presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi against underestimating the former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as political alignments begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 general election.

he described Amaechi as a politician with deep-rooted structures and alliances capable of making him a formidable contender should he decide to seek the presidency.

According to Sowunmi, his assessment is informed by years of involvement in high-level presidential campaigns within the PDP, giving him insight into how internal party dynamics and coalition politics often evolve.

He explained that any serious political coalition ahead of 2027 is likely to draw support from multiple blocs, particularly from the PDP and elements of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), a faction closely associated with former President Muhammadu Buhari and now embedded within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Sowunmi noted that Amaechi could benefit significantly from these dynamics, regardless of whether a future coalition adopts zoning or decides to throw the presidential contest open.

“If they say they want to throw it open, where do they know the CPC end will go? If they say they want to zone it, where do they know they will go?” he asked, suggesting that Amaechi could emerge as a beneficiary under either arrangement.

He further argued that Amaechi’s chances would be boosted if influential political figures, including former ministers and power brokers within the APC, rally around his ambition.

“If Rotimi doesn’t back down, I’ll be shocked if it doesn’t pull an upset,” Sowunmi said.

He specifically mentioned figures such as former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai and former Communications and Digital Economy Minister Isa Pantami as part of a network that could strengthen Amaechi’s political base if they decide to make a decisive move ahead of 2027.

Sowunmi stressed that dismissing Amaechi’s political relevance could prove costly for rival contenders.

“Let me tell you why I say those who underestimate Rotimi Amaechi have a problem,” he said. “If you underrate Rotimi, it’s at your own peril.”

Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State and a key figure in the formation of the APC, has remained a notable voice in national politics since leaving office, with persistent speculation about his future political ambitions.