Photo: Amaechi and Atiku
By: Daniel Kanu
The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has named former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election.
The announcement was made by the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, who said Amaechi emerged as the party’s vice-presidential candidate after extensive consultations with key stakeholders and a careful assessment of his political pedigree, leadership experience, and performance during the party’s presidential primary.
According to Abdullahi, the Atiku-Amaechi ticket represents a strategic alliance aimed at addressing Nigeria’s numerous socio-economic and security challenges while offering Nigerians a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Describing the partnership as a “unity and rescue ticket,” Abdullahi said the combination of Atiku and Amaechi brings together two experienced political figures with proven records in governance and national leadership.
“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 stated.
Amaechi, a former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, served two terms as governor of Rivers State before becoming Minister of Transportation under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
He is widely credited with overseeing major transportation infrastructure projects, including the expansion of Nigeria’s railway network.
Abdullahi noted that Amaechi’s extensive experience across both the legislative and executive arms of government would significantly strengthen a future ADC administration.
“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 said.
The party further emphasized that Amaechi’s political influence in the South-South region and across Southern Nigeria would boost the ticket’s electoral prospects and reinforce its national appeal.
According to the ADC spokesman, the Atiku-Amaechi ticket reflects a broad national outlook 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,” Abdullahi added.
The ADC expressed confidence that the partnership would galvanize support across the country, energize its growing coalition, and position the party strongly for the 2027 presidential contest.
The party also called on its members, coalition partners, civil society organisations, youth and women groups, and other Nigerians to rally behind the campaign as preparations for the election gather momentum.
Political analysts believe the choice of Amaechi could strengthen the ADC’s outreach in the South-South and parts of the South-East, while also enhancing the party’s efforts to build a broad-based national coalition ahead of the 2027 polls.
The 2027 presidential election is expected to witness intense competition among Nigeria’s major political parties, with candidates already positioning themselves for what is likely to be one of the country’s most closely watched electoral contests.
