The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially announced former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as its vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 presidential election, pairing him with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in what the party describes as a “unity and rescue ticket” aimed at offering Nigerians an alternative ahead of the next general election.
Key Highlights:
- ADC picks Rotimi Amaechi as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate for 2027
- Party describes Atiku-Amaechi alliance as a “unity and rescue ticket”
- Amaechi emerged runner-up in ADC presidential primary
- ADC says ticket combines experience, national reach, and governance expertise
- Party targets economic recovery, job creation, security, and national unity
- Coalition aims to position ADC as a major challenger in the 2027 election
The announcement was made in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, following consultations with party stakeholders, coalition partners, and representatives from across the country.
According to the ADC, Amaechi’s emergence was influenced by his performance in the party’s presidential primary, where he finished second, as well as his extensive experience in public service spanning both the legislative and executive arms of government.
The party said the proposed Atiku-Amaechi partnership brings together two seasoned political figures with the leadership credentials and national appeal needed to address Nigeria’s economic and governance challenges.
“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 ADC 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 former Minister of Transportation.
The party noted that Amaechi’s experience across multiple levels of government would provide immediate value to a future ADC administration.
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ADC leaders also argued that Amaechi’s influence in the South-South region and across Southern Nigeria would strengthen the party’s electoral prospects and expand its national appeal.
According to the statement, Amaechi’s reputation as a reform-oriented administrator and coalition builder makes him an ideal complement to Atiku’s candidacy.
“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,” Abdullahi said.
The party said its campaign would focus on key national issues, including economic revival, job creation, security, and national unity.
The ADC also called on party members, coalition partners, youth groups, women leaders, and civil society organisations to rally behind the ticket as preparations intensify for the 2027 election.
Amaechi served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2007 before becoming Governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015. He later served as Minister of Transportation under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 to 2023.
Atiku Abubakar, who served as Vice President between 1999 and 2007, remains one of Nigeria’s most prominent opposition figures and has repeatedly contested for the presidency.
The ADC’s decision to pair the two politicians signals a major effort to build a broad-based coalition capable of challenging the ruling establishment in what is expected to be a highly competitive 2027 presidential election.
Amaechi secured 504,117 votes to finish second in the ADC presidential primary, ahead of Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, who polled 177,120 votes.
