Pat Stevens/
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has explained why it selected former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as the running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for the 2027 presidential election.
It described the choice as a strategic move aimed at strengthening the party’s national appeal and presenting what it called a credible alternative to the current administration.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said Amaechi emerged as the preferred choice after extensive consultations with party leaders, coalition partners, youth and women groups, as well as representatives from all six geopolitical zones.
The announcement comes after Amaechi finished as runner-up in the ADC presidential primary, a performance the party said demonstrated his widespread acceptance among members across the country.
According to the ADC, the decision was driven by a combination of political experience, electoral considerations and the need to build what it described as a truly national ticket capable of attracting support across regional and political divides.
“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 party said.
The ADC pointed to Amaechi’s long record in public service as a major factor behind the decision.
Before serving as Minister of Transportation, Amaechi was Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and later completed two terms as Governor of Rivers State, making him one of the few Nigerian politicians to have held senior positions in both the legislative and executive arms of government.
“Rt. Hon. Amaechi brings to this ticket one of the most comprehensive public service records in contemporary Nigerian politics. His experience spans all major pillars of democratic governance,” the statement said.
The party added that his experience would allow an ADC administration to “hit the ground running” if elected in 2027.
“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,” it stated.
Beyond his credentials, the ADC said Amaechi’s political influence in the South-South and across wider Southern Nigeria made him a valuable addition to the ticket.
The party noted that his reputation as a reform-minded administrator and coalition builder would complement Atiku’s candidacy and broaden the ticket’s appeal.
“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 party said.
The ADC further argued that the Atiku-Amaechi partnership offers Nigerians a combination of experience and national reach that few rival tickets can match.
“Together, Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi embody a truly national ticket, one that bridges regions, generations and political traditions,” the statement said.
“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.”
The party also linked the choice to growing public concerns over the economy, insecurity and national unity.
“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,” it said.
The announcement provides the clearest indication yet of the ADC’s strategy heading into the 2027 election, with the party betting that the combined political experience and national networks of Atiku and Amaechi can help galvanise its expanding coalition and mount a formidable challenge for power.
“The leadership of the ADC is confident that this partnership will energise our growing coalition, inspire hope among Nigerians and provide the leadership necessary to build a stronger, safer and more prosperous Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement added.
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