Politics
Amaechi is Atiku’s running mate
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, as the running mate to the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, for the 2027 general election.
The announcement was made on Monday by the party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, in a statement that ended weeks of speculation over Atiku’s choice of vice-presidential candidate.
Atiku emerged as the ADC’s presidential flagbearer after winning the party’s primary election held in May. He secured 1,846,370 votes to defeat Amaechi, who garnered 504,117 votes. Former Managing Director of the defunct FSB International Bank, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, came third with 177,120 votes.
According to Abdullahi, the party’s leadership settled for Amaechi following extensive consultations with party leaders, coalition partners, youth and women stakeholders, as well as representatives from all geopolitical zones of the country.
He described Amaechi as one of Nigeria’s most experienced and respected political figures, noting that he enjoys widespread support among party members nationwide.
“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,” Abdullahi stated.
He added that Amaechi brings to the ticket one of the most extensive public service records in contemporary Nigerian politics, with experience spanning major aspects of democratic governance.
Abdullahi further said Amaechi’s service in both the executive and legislative arms of government makes him well-suited for the role of vice-presidential candidate.
“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.
He noted that the Atiku-Amaechi ticket reflects a broad national outlook capable of bridging regional and political divides.
“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 added.
He said that at a time when many Nigerians are demanding competent leadership, economic recovery, improved security, job creation, and national unity, the emergence of the Atiku-Amaechi ticket demonstrates the ADC’s readiness to provide effective governance.
“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 said.
Amaechi served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2007 before becoming Governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015. He later served as Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation between 2015 and 2022.