The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially selected former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as its vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
He will be running alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on what party leaders have described as a “unity and rescue ticket” aimed at offering Nigerians an alternative platform for the upcoming general election.
The party announced Amaechi’s selection in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, following extensive 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 finished as the runner-up—as well as his extensive career in public service.
Abdullahi explained that the proposed Atiku-Amaechi partnership brings together two experienced political figures with the national reach and leadership credentials necessary to tackle Nigeria’s current 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 highlighted Amaechi’s background as one of the most experienced leaders in contemporary Nigeria, noting 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 statement added.
ADC leadership also emphasized 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 confirmed that the ticket will center its campaign on economic recovery, job creation, national security, and national unity—issues it identified as the primary 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 concluded by calling on its members, coalition partners, civil society groups, youth organizations, and women leaders to rally behind the ticket as preparations intensify for the 2027 election.
Amaechi, a prominent figure, served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly (1999–2007), Governor of Rivers State (2007–2015), and Minister of Transportation (2015–2023). Atiku, a former Vice President (1999–2007), remains a major opposition figure.
The ADC’s move signals a strategic attempt to build a broad-based coalition, with the party positioning itself as a major contender in the race.
In the ADC presidential primaries, Amaechi polled 504,117 votes to finish second, ahead of Mohammed Hayatu-Deen who polled 177,120 votes.
