2027: ADC Announces Amaechi As Atiku’s Running Mate

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has named former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as running mate to its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar for the 2027 general election.

In a statement on Monday by the spokesman of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi described pairing Amaechi with Atiku as a “unity and rescue ticket.”

The party said Amaechi emerged after extensive consultations with party leaders, coalition partners, youth and women groups, and representatives from across the country’s geopolitical zones.

Amaechi had, in May, lost the presidential ticket to Atiku in a primary election the result of which the former Rivers State governor rejected.

But the party said the ticket offers experience, national reach and a pathway to national renewal

“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,” the party said.

The ADC said Amaechi’s extensive experience in both the legislative and executive arms of government made him uniquely qualified for the role.

He served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two-term Governor of Rivers State, and later as Minister of Transportation.

The party noted that his tenure in public office was marked by significant investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare and public sector reforms, as well as the implementation of major transportation and rail modernisation projects at the national level.

“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 ADC also highlighted Amaechi’s political influence in the South-South and across Southern Nigeria, describing him as a reform-minded administrator with a proven ability to build coalitions across political, ethnic and regional divides.

It argued that the Atiku-Amaechi ticket reflects a national outlook capable of bridging regional and generational differences while offering voters an experienced alternative ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

“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,” the party said.

The ADC maintained that the ticket demonstrates its readiness to address key national challenges, including economic recovery, job creation, insecurity and national cohesion.

The party expressed confidence that the partnership would strengthen its growing coalition and galvanise support ahead of the 2027 polls.

It also called on party members, coalition partners, civil society organisations, youth groups, women leaders and other Nigerians to support its campaign, describing the project as a historic effort to renew the nation and secure a more prosperous future.