2027: Why ADC Picked Amaechi As Atiku’s Running Mate — Party’s Spokesperson

By Akanni Toba

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has explained why former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, is the most qualified to be vice-presidential candidate of the party.

Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC’s spokesperson, revealed the factors considered before the party settled on Amaechi as running mate of Atiku Abubakar, the party’s presidential candidate.

In a statement issued on Monday, Abdullahi noted 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 Amaechi formidable political credentials make him one of Nigeria’s “most experienced and respected political leaders”, adding that the ex-Rivers governor enjoys “widespread support from party members across the federation”.

He continued, “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,”

“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 zw,wmessage: 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.”

This decision came days after 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.

Except in the current political dispensation, Amaechi has always been in either elective or appointive posts since Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999.
Amaechi served as speaker of the Rivers state house of assembly (1999–2007), governor (2007–2015), and minister of transportation (2015–2022).