BREAKING: ADC picks Amaechi as Atiku’s running mate for 2027

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, as the running mate to its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, for the 2027 general election.

The party said the decision followed extensive consultations with party leaders, coalition partners, youth and women groups, and representatives of the country’s geopolitical zones.

In a statement signed by the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described the Atiku-Amaechi ticket as a strategic partnership designed to provide experienced leadership capable of addressing Nigeria’s political, economic, and security challenges.

According to the statement, Amaechi’s emergence followed his strong performance at the party’s presidential primary, where he finished as runner-up and secured significant support from delegates across the federation.

The ADC said the pairing of Atiku and Amaechi represents the coming together of two experienced political leaders with extensive records in public service and governance.

“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 reposition Nigeria for a new era of prosperity, security, and inclusive development,” the statement said.

The party highlighted Amaechi’s extensive political career, which spans the legislative and executive arms of government.

Amaechi served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, becoming one of the longest-serving legislative leaders in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. He later served two terms as Governor of Rivers State, where he oversaw major investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and public sector reforms.

At the federal level, he served as Minister of Transportation and spearheaded several rail and transportation modernisation projects.

The ADC noted that Amaechi’s political influence across the South-South and wider Southern Nigeria, coupled with his reputation as a reform-oriented administrator, makes him a strong complement to Atiku’s candidacy.

According to the party, the Atiku-Amaechi ticket reflects a national outlook capable of bridging regional, political, and generational divides.

The opposition party said the combined experience of both candidates in governance, economic management, public administration, and nation-building offers Nigerians a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 election.

“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 that the ADC is prepared to govern, unite the nation, and deliver results,” the statement added.

The party expressed confidence that the partnership would strengthen its growing coalition and inspire confidence among Nigerians seeking an alternative political direction.

ADC also called on party members, coalition partners, civil society organisations, youth groups, women leaders, and other stakeholders to support its campaign as preparations begin for the 2027 presidential contest.