By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced the selection of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as its vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
With the announcement, Amaechi would be on the party’s ticket for the 2027 general election alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who emerged as the party’s presidential candidate during its primary election in May.
The party announced Amaechi’s emergence in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, in Abuja on Monday, June 15.
Abdullahi said Amaechi’s selection followed consultations with party stakeholders, coalition partners and representatives from across the country.
The ADC said the decision was influenced by Amaechi’s performance in the party’s presidential primary, where he emerged runner-up, as well as his extensive record in public service spanning the legislative and executive arms of government.
Abdullahi said the proposed Atiku-Amaechi partnership brings together two experienced political figures with the national reach and leadership credentials needed to tackle Nigeria’s 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.
The party described Amaechi as one of the most experienced political leaders in contemporary Nigeria, citing 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.
The party also argued 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,” the statement noted.
The ADC said the ticket would focus its campaign on economic recovery, job creation, national security and strengthening national unity, issues it described as central concerns for millions of Nigerians.
“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,” the statement added.
The party called on its members, coalition partners, civil society groups, youth organisations, and women leaders to support the ticket as preparations gear up ahead of the 2027 general election.
Amaechi served as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2007 before becoming governor of the state from 2007 to 2015.
He later served as Minister of Transportation under former President Muhammadu Buhari between 2015 and 2023, overseeing major railway and transportation projects.
The former minister polled a total of 504,117 votes to finish in second place during the party’s presidential primary election, while Mohammed Hayatu-Deen polled 177,120 votes.
