ADC picks Amaechi as Atiku's vice-presidential candidate for 2027 election

The African Democratic Congress has chosen former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as its vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 presidential election. He will run with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Party leaders call this a "unity and rescue ticket" to give Nigerians a different option ahead of the next general election.

The party shared Amaechi’s selection in a statement from Abuja on Monday. It was released by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, after talks with party leaders, coalition partners, and representatives from all over the country.

The ADC said that Amaechi’s selection came after his strong showing in the party’s presidential primary, where he finished second. They also praised his long service in government, both in the legislative and executive branches.

Abdullahi stated that the Atiku-Amaechi partnership combines two experienced politicians who have the national presence and leadership skills needed to face Nigeria’s economic and governance issues.

"The partnership between His Excellency Atiku Abubakar and Rt Hon Rotimi Amaechi is more than just a political alliance; it is the coming together of two seasoned leaders. They have the experience and national reach to help Nigeria overcome its current problems and lead the country into a new era of growth, safety, and development," the statement said in part.

The party noted that Amaechi is one of the most experienced political leaders in Nigeria today. His background includes being Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, a two-term Governor of Rivers State, and Minister of Transportation.

"Few political leaders in Nigeria today have such a wide-ranging experience in both legislative and executive roles. This experience will be crucial for supporting the next ADC government from the start," the party added.

ADC leaders believe that Amaechi’s influence in the South-South and Southern Nigeria will boost the party’s chances and widen its appeal across different regions and politics.

The statement mentioned that Amaechi’s reputation as a reform-minded leader and coalition builder makes him a good fit to support Atiku’s candidacy.

"Together, Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi make a truly national ticket. They connect different regions, generations, and political backgrounds. Their combined experience in governance, economic management, public administration, party organization, and nation-building gives Nigerians a trustworthy and appealing option to restore faith in government and speed up national progress," Abdullahi said.

The ADC plans to focus its campaign on issues like economic recovery, job creation, national security, and unity. These are key concerns for many Nigerians.

"At a time when millions of Nigerians want effective leadership, economic revival, job creation, security, and unity, the Atiku-Amaechi ticket sends a strong message: the ADC is ready to govern, unite the country, and deliver results," the statement added.

The party urged its members, coalition partners, civil society groups, youth organizations, and women leaders to support the ticket as they prepare for the 2027 election.

Amaechi is still one of Nigeria’s well-known political figures. He was Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2007. He then served as governor from 2007 to 2015. Later, he was Minister of Transportation under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 to 2023, overseeing major transport projects.

Atiku, who was Vice President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007, has repeatedly run for the presidency and remains a prominent opposition figure.

The ADC’s choice to pair these two politicians shows an effort to create a strong coalition before the 2027 presidential election. The party aims to be a major opponent in what is expected to be a tough race.

Amaechi received a total of 504,117 votes to place second in the ADC presidential primaries, ahead of Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, who got 177,120 votes.