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ABUJA – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has named former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, as the running mate to its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, for the 2027 general election.
The party said the Atiku-Amaechi ticket emerged after extensive consultations with party leaders, coalition partners, youth and women groups, as well as stakeholders from across the country’s geopolitical zones.
Announcing the decision in a statement on Monday in Abuja, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the partnership as a “unity and rescue ticket” designed to provide Nigerians with an experienced and credible alternative ahead of the next presidential election.
According to the party, Amaechi’s selection followed his strong showing in the ADC presidential primaries, where he emerged as the runner-up and garnered significant support from party members nationwide.
The ADC said the former governor’s extensive experience in public service made him well-suited to complement Atiku’s leadership and strengthen the party’s national appeal.
“Amaechi brings one of the most comprehensive public service records in contemporary Nigerian politics,” the party stated, citing his tenure as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two-term governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation.
The party noted that Amaechi’s experience across both the legislative and executive arms of government would be an asset to an ADC administration, should the party win the 2027 election.
It further argued that the former minister’s political influence in the South-South and across Southern Nigeria, coupled with his reputation as a reform-minded administrator, would help broaden the ticket’s support base and strengthen the party’s coalition-building efforts.
The ADC described the Atiku-Amaechi partnership as a combination of two seasoned politicians whose collective experience in governance, economic management, public administration and nation-building positions them to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges.
The party said the ticket reflects its commitment to national unity, economic revival, job creation and improved security, adding that it offers Nigerians a platform capable of restoring confidence in government and accelerating development.
“The Atiku-Amaechi ticket sends a clear message that the ADC is prepared to govern, prepared to unite the nation and prepared to deliver results,” the statement said.
The opposition party also called on its members, coalition partners, civil society organisations, youth groups and women leaders to rally behind the ticket as it begins its campaign for the 2027 presidential election.
The announcement marks a major step in the ADC’s preparations for the 2027 polls, with party leaders expressing confidence that the Atiku-Amaechi alliance will energise its growing coalition and provide what they described as a compelling alternative for Nigerians seeking a change in leadership.
