The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, as the running mate to its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, for the 2027 general election.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, following what the party described as extensive consultations involving party leaders, coalition partners, youth and women groups, and representatives from the country’s six geopolitical zones.
According to the ADC, Amaechi’s emergence as the vice-presidential candidate followed the successful conclusion of the party’s presidential primary election, in which he reportedly finished as runner-up and garnered significant support from party members nationwide.
The party said the Atiku-Amaechi ticket represents a strategic alliance aimed at providing experienced leadership capable of addressing Nigeria’s economic, security and governance challenges.
“The proposed partnership between 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.
ADC leaders described Amaechi as one of Nigeria’s most experienced political figures, citing his extensive record in public service spanning the legislative and executive arms of government.
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 his appointment as Minister of Transportation, where he supervised major railway and transportation infrastructure projects under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The party argued that his broad experience in governance would be a major asset to an ADC administration if elected in 2027.
“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 noted.
Beyond his governmental experience, the ADC said Amaechi’s political influence in the South-South region and across Southern Nigeria would significantly strengthen the party’s electoral prospects.
The party also highlighted his reputation as a reform-oriented administrator and coalition builder capable of fostering unity across ethnic, regional and political divides.
According to the ADC, the Atiku-Amaechi ticket reflects a national outlook designed to appeal to diverse segments of the Nigerian population.
“Together, Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi embody a truly national ticket—one that bridges regions, generations, and political traditions,” the party stated.
The opposition party further argued that the combined experience of both candidates in governance, economic management, public administration and political organisation presents Nigerians with what it described as a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 elections.
The ADC said the ticket would focus on addressing key national concerns, including economic recovery, job creation, security and national cohesion.
The party expressed confidence that the partnership would energise its growing coalition and inspire confidence among Nigerians seeking political change.
It subsequently called on party members, coalition partners, civil society organisations, youth and women groups, as well as Nigerians across the country, to rally behind the ticket in preparation for the 2027 presidential election.
“The ADC is prepared to govern, prepared to unite the nation, and prepared to deliver results,” Abdullahi stated.
The announcement marks a significant development in the evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, as opposition parties continue to build alliances and position their candidates for what is expected to be a highly competitive presidential contest.