ADC Officially names Amaechi as Atiku’s Running Mate for 2027

The African Democratic Congress 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.

The announcement was made on Monday in Abuja through a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, following discussions with party leaders and coalition partners from different parts of the country.

According to the party, Amaechi’s selection was influenced by his performance during the presidential primary election, where he finished as the runner-up. The ADC also considered his long years of experience in public service at both legislative and executive levels.

The party said the Atiku-Amaechi ticket brings together two politicians with extensive experience in governance and national politics. It noted that both men have served in major public offices and possess the capacity to lead the country through its current challenges.

ADC described Amaechi as one of the most experienced political figures in Nigeria, having served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Governor of Rivers State for two terms and later Minister of Transportation.

The party believes his experience in government and his political influence across the South-South and other parts of Southern Nigeria will strengthen its chances in the 2027 election.

It also stated that Amaechi’s ability to work with different political groups and his record in public administration made him a suitable partner for Atiku ahead of the next general election.

The ADC said the combination of both politicians creates a ticket with national appeal and broad political reach. The party added that their backgrounds in governance, economic management and public administration would help provide direction if elected into office.

According to the party, the campaign will focus on economic recovery, job creation, improved security and national unity, which it described as major concerns facing Nigerians.

The party further called on its members, coalition partners, youth groups, women organisations and supporters across the country to rally behind the ticket as preparations for the 2027 presidential election continue.

Amaechi served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly between 1999 and 2007 before becoming governor from 2007 to 2015. He later joined the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari as Minister of Transportation, a position he held from 2015 to 2023.

Atiku served as Nigeria’s Vice President from 1999 to 2007 and has remained one of the leading opposition figures in the country for many years.

The ADC said the decision to pair Atiku with Amaechi reflects its plan to build a broad political alliance capable of challenging rival parties in what is expected to be a keenly contested 2027 presidential race.

During the party’s presidential primary election, Amaechi finished second with 504,117 votes, behind Atiku Abubakar, while Mohammed Hayatu-Deen came third with 177,120 votes.