ADC picks Amaechi as Atiku’s running mate for 2027 presidential election

By Margaret Abah

The African Democratic Congress has named former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as the running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for the 2027 presidential election.

The party announced Amaechi’s emergence in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, following consultations with stakeholders, coalition partners and representatives from across the country.

According to the ADC, the decision was influenced by Amaechi’s performance in the party’s presidential primary, where he finished second, as well as his extensive experience in public service across both the legislative and executive arms of government.

Abdullahi said the proposed Atiku-Amaechi alliance represents the coming together of two experienced leaders with the capacity to address Nigeria’s economic and governance challenges.

“The proposed partnership between His Excellency Atiku Abubakar and Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi represents more than a political alliance; it is the coming together of two tested statesmen with the experience, national reach and leadership capacity required to rescue Nigeria from its current challenges and reposition the country for a new era of prosperity, security and inclusive development,” the statement said.

The party described Amaechi as one of the country’s most experienced political figures, citing his service as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two-term governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation.

It added that his experience would provide valuable support to a future ADC administration and strengthen the party’s electoral prospects, particularly in the South-South and other parts of Southern Nigeria.

According to the party, the Atiku-Amaechi ticket offers Nigerians a credible alternative capable of restoring confidence in governance and accelerating national development.

The ADC said its campaign would focus on economic recovery, job creation, national security and national unity, which it described as key concerns for millions of Nigerians.

The party also called on its members, coalition partners, civil society organisations, youth groups and women leaders to support the ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.

Amaechi served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly between 1999 and 2007 and as governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015. He later served as Minister of Transportation under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 to 2023.

Atiku served as Vice President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007 and has remained a prominent opposition figure.

The ADC said the decision to pair the two politicians is aimed at building a broad-based coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Amaechi polled 504,117 votes to finish second in the ADC presidential primary, ahead of Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, who secured 177,120 votes.