ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has named former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as the running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for the 2027 presidential election, unveiling what party leaders described as a “unity and rescue ticket” aimed at providing Nigerians with an alternative political platform ahead of the next general election.
The announcement was made on Monday in Abuja through a statement issued 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 selection was influenced by his strong showing in the party’s presidential primary election, where he finished second, as well as his extensive experience in public service at both legislative and executive levels.
Explaining the choice, Abdullahi said the proposed Atiku-Amaechi ticket combines the experience, leadership credentials and national reach required to confront 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 party described Amaechi as one of the most experienced political figures in contemporary Nigerian politics, highlighting his service as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two-term governor of Rivers State and later Minister of Transportation.
ADC noted that his broad experience across different levels of governance would be a valuable asset to a future administration.
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“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 party stated.
Party leaders also expressed confidence that Amaechi’s political influence in the South-South and across Southern Nigeria would strengthen the party’s electoral fortunes and broaden its appeal beyond traditional political and regional boundaries.
The statement further described Amaechi as a reform-minded administrator and coalition builder whose strengths would complement Atiku’s political profile.
“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 ADC said its campaign would focus on economic recovery, job creation, national security and national cohesion, issues it identified as critical concerns for Nigerians.
“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 further noted.
The party called on its members, coalition partners, youth groups, women organisations and civil society stakeholders to rally behind the ticket as preparations intensify for the 2027 presidential election.
Amaechi remains one of Nigeria’s most prominent political figures. He served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly between 1999 and 2007 before governing Rivers State from 2007 to 2015.
He later became Minister of Transportation under former President Muhammadu Buhari, serving from 2015 to 2023 and overseeing several major railway and transportation projects.
Atiku, who served as Nigeria’s Vice President from 1999 to 2007, has remained a major opposition figure and one of the country’s most recognisable presidential contenders.
The decision to pair the two politicians underscores ADC’s effort to build a broad-based coalition ahead of the 2027 election as the party positions itself as a major challenger in what is expected to be a highly competitive presidential race.
Amaechi secured 504,117 votes to finish second in the ADC presidential primary, ahead of Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, who polled 177,120 votes.