2027: ADC picks Amaechi as Atiku’s running mate

With critical electoral deadlines fast approaching, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has selected former Rivers State governor, and ex-minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as the running mate to its 2027 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

The party announced the decision on Monday, describing the Atiku-Amaechi ticket as a strategic alliance aimed at strengthening its national appeal and positioning the opposition coalition as a formidable challenger in the next presidential election.

In a statement signed by the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said Amaechi’s nomination followed extensive consultations and reflected his performance in the party’s presidential primary, where he emerged runner-up.

According to the statement, Amaechi’s experience as former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two-term governor of Rivers State and former Minister of Transportation places him in a strong position to complement Atiku’s leadership and broaden the party’s support base across the country.

The development came as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) prepares to enforce key timelines for the 2027 election.

The electoral commission has fixed June 26 for the submission of party codes and July 11 for the submission of candidates’ lists, including vice-presidential nominees. Presidential campaigns are scheduled to commence on August 19, while the presidential election will hold on January 16, 2027.

Political observers say the choice of Amaechi reflects the party’s determination to consolidate support in the South-South and other parts of Southern Nigeria while presenting a ticket with significant national recognition.

Amaechi remains one of the most influential political figures from the South-South, having served as speaker, governor, chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and later minister of Transportation. His political network and national visibility are seen as major assets for the coalition.

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Amaechi had vigorously challenged Atiku for the party’s presidential ticket and, alongside businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, questioned the outcome of the nationwide direct primary that produced the former vice president as candidate.

However, tensions within the party appeared to ease following Atiku’s post-primary visit to Amaechi, a move widely interpreted as an effort to reconcile aggrieved stakeholders and forge a united front ahead of the general election.

The ADC said the Atiku-Amaechi ticket represents “the coming together of two-tested statesmen” with the experience, national reach and leadership capacity required to tackle Nigeria’s economic, security and governance challenges.

The party added that Amaechi’s extensive record in public service, spanning both the legislative and executive arms of government, would provide immediate value to a future ADC administration.

“Together, Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi embody a truly national ticket that bridges regions, generations and political traditions,” the statement said.

The ADC expressed confidence that the partnership would energise its expanding coalition, attract broader national support and provide Nigerians with what it described as a credible alternative capable of restoring confidence in governance and accelerating national development.