The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced former Rivers governor and ex-minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as the running mate to its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, ahead of the 2027 general election.
Bolaji Abdullahi, national publicity secretary of the party, disclosed the decision in a statement issued on Monday.
According to the ADC, Amaechi’s emergence followed extensive consultations with party leaders, coalition partners, youth and women groups, and representatives from across the country’s geopolitical zones.
The former minister was runner-up in the party’s recently concluded presidential primary election.
“This recommendation follows the successful conclusion of the ADC presidential primaries, in which Rt. Hon. Amaechi emerged as the runner-up, earning widespread support from party members across the federation and demonstrating his enduring appeal as one of Nigeria’s most experienced and respected political leaders,” the statement reads.
The party described the Atiku-Amaechi ticket as a combination of two experienced politicians capable of addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
“The proposed partnership between Atiku Abubakar and 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 said.
The ADC highlighted Amaechi’s political career, noting that he served as speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, governor of Rivers State for two terms, and later minister of transportation.
“Few political leaders in Nigeria today possess such extensive and balanced experience across both the legislative and executive arms of government,” the party said.
“This depth of experience will be invaluable in supporting the next ADC administration from day one.”
AN EMERGENCE THAT CAN STRENGTHEN ADC’S SOUTHERN FORTUNE
The opposition party also said Amaechi’s influence in the South-South and other parts of southern Nigeria would strengthen its electoral prospects.
“His political influence across the South-South and wider Southern Nigeria, his reputation as a reform-minded administrator, and his proven ability to build coalitions across political, ethnic and regional lines make him uniquely positioned to complement the candidacy of Atiku Abubakar,” the statement added.
According to the ADC, the pairing creates a national ticket capable of appealing to voters across regional and political divides.
“Together, Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi embody a truly national ticket — one that bridges regions, generations and political traditions,” Abdullahi said.
“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.”
The party said the ticket demonstrates its readiness to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 election.
“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 reads.
The ADC called on party members, coalition partners, civil society groups, youth organisations, women leaders and other Nigerians to support the ticket ahead of the election.
