By Prevail Inegbenose
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has selected former Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as the running mate to its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, for the 2027 general election.
The announcement was made by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, who said the decision followed extensive consultations with party leaders, coalition partners, youth and women groups, and stakeholders from across the country’s geopolitical zones.
According to the ADC, Amaechi’s emergence as vice-presidential candidate was influenced by his strong performance in the party’s presidential primaries, where he finished as runner-up, as well as his extensive record of public service.
In a statement released on Monday, the party described the Atiku-Amaechi partnership as a “unity and rescue ticket” designed to provide Nigerians with experienced leadership capable of addressing the nation’s economic, security and governance challenges.
The ADC noted that Amaechi’s political career spans several key positions in government, including Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two-term Governor of Rivers State, and Minister of Transportation. The party said his experience across both the legislative and executive arms of government would be a valuable asset in a future ADC administration.
The party further highlighted Amaechi’s influence in the South-South region and across Southern Nigeria, describing him as a reform-minded administrator with a proven ability to build political alliances across regional and ethnic divides.
“Together, Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi embody a truly national ticket—one that bridges regions, generations and political traditions,” the statement said.
The ADC expressed confidence that the partnership would strengthen its growing coalition and offer Nigerians what it described as a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The party also called on its members, coalition partners, civil society organisations, youth and women groups, and Nigerians across the country to support its campaign for national renewal and development.
With the announcement, the ADC becomes one of the first major political parties to unveil a complete presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 polls, setting the stage for what is expected to be a highly competitive electoral contest.