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 announcement was made on Monday in Abuja by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, following consultations with party leaders, coalition partners and stakeholders across the country.
According to the ADC, Amaechi’s selection was influenced by his performance in the party’s presidential primary election, where he emerged as the runner-up, as well as his extensive experience in public service.
The party described the Atiku-Amaechi ticket as a strategic alliance aimed at providing Nigerians with a credible alternative ahead of the next general election.
In a statement, Abdullahi said the partnership brings together two seasoned politicians with decades of experience in governance, administration and national leadership.
“The Atiku-Amaechi ticket represents the coming together of two tested leaders with the capacity, experience and national appeal required to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges and reposition the country for sustainable growth and development,” he said.
The ADC 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.
The party added that his experience across both the legislative and executive arms of government would be a valuable asset to a future ADC administration.
Party leaders also pointed to Amaechi’s influence in the South-South region and other parts of Southern Nigeria, saying his inclusion on the ticket would strengthen the party’s national reach and electoral prospects.
The ADC further argued that the former governor’s reputation as a reform-oriented administrator and coalition builder complements Atiku’s political profile, creating what it described as a truly national ticket.
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According to the party, the campaign will focus on key issues including economic recovery, job creation, national security and the promotion of national unity.
“At a time when Nigerians are demanding competent leadership, economic revival and improved security, the Atiku-Amaechi ticket demonstrates our readiness to govern and deliver meaningful change,” the statement added.
The party called on its members, youth groups, women organisations, civil society groups and coalition partners to rally behind the ticket as preparations intensify for the 2027 presidential election.
Amaechi secured 504,117 votes to finish second in the ADC presidential primary, behind Atiku Abubakar, while Mohammed Hayatu-Deen came third with 177,120 votes.
The decision is expected to shape the political landscape ahead of what observers predict will be a highly competitive race for Nigeria’s presidency in 2027.