The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has named Rotimi Amaechi, former minister of transportation, as the running mate to Atiku Abubakar, its presidential candidate, for the 2027 elections.
Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC spokesperson, announced the decision in a statement issued on Monday.
The announcement finally put to rest weeks of speculation about Atiku’s choice of running mate for the 2027 polls.
Atiku won the ADC presidential primary in May.
He polled 1,846,370 votes to defeat Amaechi, who got 504,117 votes
Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, former managing director of the defunct FSB International Bank, came third with 177,120 votes.
Abdullahi said the NDC national leadership picked Amaechi after “extensive consultations with party leaders, coalition partners, youth and women stakeholders, and representatives of all geopolitical zones”.
He said as one of Nigeria’s “most experienced and respected political leaders”, Amaechi enjoys “widespread support from party members across the federation”.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Abdullahi said Amaechi’s experience in the executive and legislative arms of government makes him well-suited to be Atiku’s running mate.
“Beyond his impressive credentials, 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,” he said.
“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.
“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 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.”
Amaechi served as speaker of the Rivers state house of assembly (1999–2007), governor (2007–2015), and minister of transportation (2015–2022).
