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

African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, as the party’s vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

The announcement was made in a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, following consultations involving party leaders, coalition partners, youth and women groups, as well as representatives from across the country’s geopolitical zones.

According to the ADC, Amaechi’s emergence followed the conclusion of the party’s presidential primary election, where he finished as runner-up and attracted significant support from members nationwide.

The party said the decision to pair Amaechi with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar reflects its commitment to presenting what it described as an experienced and nationally representative leadership team capable of addressing Nigeria’s pressing 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,” Abdullahi said.

The ADC highlighted Amaechi’s extensive public service record, noting that he has held key positions across both the legislative and executive arms of government.

The statement recalled that Amaechi served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, making him one of the longest-serving legislative leaders in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. He later served two terms as governor of Rivers State before moving to the federal level as Minister of Transportation.

The party credited him with overseeing major infrastructure projects and reforms during his tenure in public office.

“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,” the statement added.

Beyond governance experience, the ADC said Amaechi’s political influence across the South-South and other parts of Southern Nigeria would strengthen the party’s electoral prospects.

“His political influence across the South-South and wider Southern Nigeria, his reputation as a reform-minded administrator, and his proven ability to build coalitions across political, ethnic, and regional lines make him uniquely positioned to complement the candidacy of Atiku Abubakar,” Abdullahi stated.

The party further described the Atiku-Amaechi ticket as a national alliance capable of bridging regional and political divides.

“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 organization, and nation-building offers Nigerians a credible and compelling alternative capable of restoring confidence in government and accelerating national development.”

The ADC said the ticket would focus on addressing economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and national unity, while assuring Nigerians that the party is prepared to provide effective leadership if elected.

“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,” the statement said.

The party expressed confidence that the partnership would strengthen its growing coalition ahead of the 2027 elections and called on party members, civil society organisations, youth groups, women leaders and other stakeholders to support its campaign.

“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,” Abdullahi added.