Amaechi Emerges As Atiku’s Running Mate In 2027 Election
The African Democratic Congress has announced former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as its vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 presidential election, pairing him with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Party leaders described the pair as a “unity and rescue ticket” aimed at offering Nigerians an alternative platform ahead of the next general election.
The party made this known in a statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, following consultations with party stakeholders, coalition partners and representatives from across the country.
According to the ADC, the decision was influenced by Amaechi’s performance in the party’s presidential primary, where he emerged runner-up, as well as his extensive record in public service spanning the legislative and executive arms of government.
Abdullahi said the proposed Atiku-Amaechi partnership brings together two experienced political figures with the national reach and leadership credentials needed to tackle 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 in part.
The party described Amaechi as one of the most experienced political leaders in contemporary Nigeria, citing his tenure as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two-term Governor of Rivers State, and 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 added.
ADC leaders also argued that Amaechi’s political influence in the South-South and across Southern Nigeria would strengthen the party’s electoral prospects and broaden its appeal across regional and political divides.
The statement noted that Amaechi’s reputation as a reform-minded administrator and coalition builder makes him uniquely positioned to complement Atiku’s candidacy.
“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 stated.
The ADC said the ticket would focus its campaign on economic recovery, job creation, national security and strengthening national unity, issues it described as central 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 groups, youth organisations and women leaders to rally behind the ticket as preparations gather momentum for the 2027 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 the oil-rich state from 2007 to 2015. He later served as Minister of Transportation under former President Muhammadu Buhari between 2015 and 2023, overseeing major railway and transportation projects.