The African Democratic Congress (ADC) 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 party announced Amaechi’s emergence as its vice-presidential candidate in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by its 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 performance in the party’s presidential primary, where he finished second, as well as his extensive experience in public service.
Describing the Atiku-Amaechi ticket as a “unity and rescue ticket,” the party said the partnership brings together two experienced political leaders with the capacity 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,” Abdullahi stated.
The party highlighted Amaechi’s political career, noting that he served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly between 1999 and 2007, Governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015, and Minister of Transportation from 2015 to 2023.
According to the ADC, Amaechi’s experience across both the legislative and executive arms of government would provide valuable support to a future ADC administration.
“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 added.
The party also expressed confidence that Amaechi’s political influence in the South-South region and across Southern Nigeria would strengthen its electoral prospects and broaden its appeal nationwide.
ADC leaders further described Amaechi as a reform-oriented administrator and coalition builder whose political profile complements Atiku’s experience in governance and public administration.
“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 said.
The party said its campaign would focus on key national issues, including economic recovery, job creation, security, and national unity.
“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 noted.
The ADC also called on party members, coalition partners, civil society organisations, youth groups, and women leaders to mobilise support for the ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.
Amaechi secured 504,117 votes to emerge second in the ADC presidential primary, behind Atiku Abubakar, while Mohammed Hayatu-Deen polled 177,120 votes.
Political observers say the decision to pair Atiku with Amaechi reflects the party’s strategy to build a broad-based coalition and strengthen its challenge in what is expected to be a highly competitive 2027 presidential race.
