The African Democratic Congress has explained why its presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, settled for former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said Amaechi’s selection followed extensive consultations with party leaders, coalition partners, youth and women groups, as well as representatives of the six geopolitical zones.
The ADC said the choice of Amaechi was informed by his performance at the party’s presidential primary, his national appeal, political experience and capacity to strengthen the opposition ticket ahead of the election.
Amaechi had emerged runner-up in the ADC presidential primary won by Atiku. According to the party, his strong showing in the contest confirmed his continuing influence within the party and across the country.
The party described the Atiku-Amaechi ticket as more than an ordinary political alliance, saying it represented the coming together of two experienced public officers with the national reach and administrative capacity required to address Nigeria’s current 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 said.
Giving further reasons for the choice, the ADC said Amaechi brings to the ticket one of the most comprehensive public service records in contemporary Nigerian politics.
The party noted that Amaechi had served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two-term governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation, adding that his experience cuts across both the legislative and executive arms of government.
It said his record as governor included investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare and public sector reforms, while his tenure as Minister of Transportation was marked by major rail and transport modernisation projects.
According to the ADC, few political figures in the country possess Amaechi’s level of experience across different layers of governance.
“This depth of experience will be invaluable in supporting the next ADC administration from day one,” the party added.
The ADC also said Amaechi’s selection was strategic because of his influence in the South-South and wider Southern Nigeria, his reputation as a reform-minded administrator and his ability to build coalitions across political, ethnic and regional lines.
The party said Atiku and Amaechi together represent a national ticket capable of bridging regions, generations and political traditions.
It added that their combined experience in governance, economic management, public administration, party organisation and nation-building offers Nigerians a credible alternative in 2027.
“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 statement said.
The party expressed confidence that the partnership would energise its growing coalition and inspire hope among Nigerians.
It called on party members, coalition partners, civil society organisations, youth groups, women leaders and Nigerians of goodwill to support the Atiku-Amaechi ticket, saying the country needed a stronger, safer and more prosperous future.
