ADC picks Amaechi as Atiku’s running mate for 2027

African Democratic Congress, ADC, has named former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as the running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for the 2027 presidential election, completing its presidential ticket, ahead of what is expected to be an intense contest.

The announcement pairs two veteran politicians who have occupied some of the country’s highest offices, giving the ADC a ticket the party hopes can broaden its national appeal and strengthen its challenge in the 2027 race.

The decision was contained in a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, who said Amaechi emerged after extensive consultations involving party leaders, coalition partners, youth and women stakeholders, and representatives from all geopolitical zones.

The party said  Amaechi’s selection followed the conclusion of its presidential primary, where he emerged runner-up and secured what it described as broad support from party members across the federation.

The party stated:  “The proposed partnership between Atiku Abubakar and 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,” he said.

“At a time when millions of Nigerians are demanding competent leadership, economic revival, job creation, security, and national unity, the Atiku-Amaechi ticket sends a clear message: the ADC is prepared to govern, prepared to unite the nation, and prepared to deliver results,” Abdullahi said.

The party pointed to Amaechi’s long record in public office as a major factor in his emergence as the vice-presidential candidate.

“Amaechi brings to this ticket one of the most comprehensive public service records in contemporary Nigerian politics. His experience spans all major pillars of democratic governance.’’

It noted that Amaechi served as speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, a two-term governor of Rivers State and later Minister of Transportation, where he oversaw major transportation and rail modernisation projects.

“Few political leaders in Nigeria today possess such extensive and balanced experience across both the legislative and executive arms of government. This depth of experience will be invaluable in supporting the next ADC administration from day one,” he added.

The ADC also argued that Amaechi’s influence in the South-South and across much of Southern Nigeria would strengthen the ticket’s electoral reach and coalition-building efforts.

“Together, Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi embody a truly national ticket, one that bridges regions, generations and political traditions.

“Their combined experience in governance, economic management, public administration, party organisation, and nation-building offers Nigerians a credible and compelling alternative capable of restoring confidence in government and accelerating national development,’’ the party stated.

Expressing confidence in the alliance, ADC said it expected the partnership to energise its growing coalition and attract broader support ahead of the election.

“The leadership of the ADC is confident that this partnership will energize our growing coalition, inspire hope among Nigerians, and provide the leadership necessary to build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Federal Republic of Nigeria,” it said.

The announcement completes the ADC’s presidential ticket and signals the beginning of what is likely to be an intensive phase of coalition-building, political mobilisation and strategic positioning, ahead of the 2027 election.

The party also called on its members, coalition partners, civil society organisations, youth groups and women leaders to support the ticket as preparations for the poll gather momentum.