2027: ADC picks Amaechi as Atiku’s running mate

The African Democratic Congress has selected 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, describing the Atiku-Amaechi ticket as a “unity and rescue ticket” aimed at offering Nigerians an alternative platform ahead of the next general election.

According to the ADC, the decision followed consultations with party stakeholders, coalition partners and representatives from across the country.

Abdullahi said Amaechi’s emergence was influenced by his performance in the party’s presidential primary, where he finished as runner-up, as well as his extensive experience in public service.

“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 Nigeria’s most experienced political leaders, citing his service as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two-term governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation.

According to the ADC, Amaechi’s influence in the South-South and across Southern Nigeria would strengthen the party’s electoral prospects and broaden its appeal across 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 organisation and nation-building offers Nigerians a credible and compelling alternative capable of restoring confidence in government and accelerating national development,” Abdullahi added.

The party said the ticket would focus its campaign on economic recovery, job creation, national security and strengthening national unity.

“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 noted.

The ADC also called on its members, coalition partners, civil society groups, youth organisations and women leaders to rally behind the ticket as preparations gather momentum for the 2027 election.

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