The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has selected former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as its vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 presidential election, pairing him with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on what the party described as a “unity and rescue ticket”.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja 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 emergence was influenced by his strong performance in the party’s presidential primary, where he finished as runner-up, as well as his extensive experience in public service spanning both the legislative and executive arms of government.
Amaechi secured 504,117 votes in the primary election to place second behind Atiku Abubakar, while Mohammed Hayatu-Deen polled 177,120 votes.
In the statement, Abdullahi said the proposed Atiku-Amaechi ticket brings together two seasoned political figures with the experience, national appeal and leadership credentials required 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,” the statement read.
The party described Amaechi as one of the most experienced political leaders in contemporary Nigerian politics, citing his record as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two-term Governor of Rivers State and former Minister of Transportation.
“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.
ADC leaders further argued that Amaechi’s political influence in the South-South region and across Southern Nigeria would enhance the party’s electoral prospects and broaden its appeal across regional and political divides.
The party also highlighted his reputation as a reform-oriented administrator and coalition builder, qualities it said would complement Atiku’s candidacy and strengthen the party’s campaign.
“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.
According to the ADC, the ticket will focus its campaign on economic recovery, job creation, national security and strengthening national unity, which it described as pressing concerns for millions of 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 added.
The party called on its members, coalition partners, civil society organisations, youth groups and women leaders to rally behind the ticket as preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 general election.
Amaechi remains one of Nigeria’s most prominent political figures. He served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2007 before becoming Governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015. He later served as Minister of Transportation under former President Muhammadu Buhari between 2015 and 2023, overseeing several major railway and transportation projects.
Atiku, who served as Nigeria’s Vice President between 1999 and 2007, has contested for the presidency on multiple occasions and remains one of the country’s most recognisable opposition figures.
Political observers say the ADC’s decision to pair Atiku and Amaechi signals a deliberate effort to build a broad-based coalition capable of challenging the established political order in the 2027 presidential election, which is widely expected to be fiercely contested.
With the unveiling of the ticket, the ADC has positioned itself as a significant contender in the race, banking on the combined political experience, national reach and electoral appeal of two of Nigeria’s most prominent political figures.
Leave a comment