The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has named former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as Atiku Abubakar's running mate for the 2027 presidential election. The decision follows extensive consultations with party leaders, coalition partners, youth and women stakeholders, and representatives from all six geopolitical zones, according to a statement by National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi. The party cited Amaechi's political experience, national reach, influence in the South-South, and track record in public office as key factors in the selection.
Amaechi emerged as the runner-up in the ADC's presidential primaries, a performance the party said demonstrated his widespread acceptance among members nationwide. He previously served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two-term governor of Rivers State, and Minister of Transportation, where he oversaw major rail and transport modernisation projects. The ADC stated that his experience across both legislative and executive arms of government would strengthen an Atiku-led administration from day one.
The party described the Atiku-Amaechi ticket as a national partnership bridging regions, generations, and political traditions. It highlighted their combined experience as critical for addressing Nigeria's economic, security, and governance challenges. "Rt. Hon. Amaechi strengthens the ticket strategically. 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 read.
ADC called on its members, coalition partners, civil society groups, youth and women leaders, and all Nigerians of goodwill to support the ticket ahead of 2027. The party said the choice sends a clear message that it is ready to govern, unite the nation, and deliver results amid growing public demand for competent leadership, job creation, and national unity.
The ADC picked Amaechi as running mate after he lost to Atiku in their presidential primary, raising questions about how a defeated aspirant now becomes the second-in-command. Amaechi's past role in federal transport projects is being cited as an asset, yet those same projects remain incomplete or underutilised today. Nigerians who lived through his ministerial tenure may weigh that record differently than the party's current praise. The ticket assumes unity through shared experience, but offers no new mechanism for delivering what past positions failed to achieve.
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