It’s Official: ADC Picks Amaechi As Atiku’s Deputy For 2027
The African Democratic Congress has officially named former Minister of Transportation and ex-Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as its vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 presidential election, pairing him with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on the opposition coalition’s ticket.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, announced the decision on Monday through a statement on the ADC’s official X page, saying Amaechi’s emergence followed extensive consultations with stakeholders across the country. Abdullahi said the choice reflected Amaechi’s strong performance as runner-up in the party’s presidential primaries as well as his track record of service to his state and the country.
“The National Leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is proud to announce that the Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has been selected as the Vice-Presidential Candidate of our great party for the 2027 Presidential Election,” the statement read. The party described the partnership as “the coming together of two tested statesmen with the experience, national reach, and leadership capacity required to rescue Nigeria from its current challenges.”
The confirmation closes weeks of speculation and an awkward standoff that trailed the party’s primary. Amaechi had contested the ADC presidential ticket alongside Atiku and former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen but lost. Atiku scored 1,846,370 votes to Amaechi’s 504,117, while Hayatu-Deen secured 177,120.
Amaechi initially rejected that outcome. In a post on his X handle ahead of the official announcement, he said, “I unequivocally reject the concocted results being announced,” alleging widespread voter disenfranchisement. He claimed about 80 per cent of party members were denied the chance to vote. Hayatu-Deen also boycotted the result announcement over similar complaints.
For weeks afterwards, Amaechi distanced himself from any subordinate role. He had earlier told Trust TV that he did not purchase the nomination form to step down or become a vice-presidential candidate to anyone. The thaw came through a series of reconciliation meetings, with Atiku visiting Amaechi and the former governor later reciprocating at Atiku’s Abuja residence.
The pairing assembles a North-East/South-South ticket, with Atiku from Adamawa and Amaechi from Rivers, a balance the party believes will broaden its appeal. Both men previously served under former President Muhammadu Buhari and remain influential opposition figures. Amaechi’s political history runs deeper still. He was widely credited with steering the campaign that helped deliver Muhammadu Buhari’s historic 2015 victory over incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan, and in 2023 he contested the APC presidential ticket against Bola Tinubu but lost.
The selection was finalised under the ADC leadership chaired by former Senate President David Mark. Amaechi is also expected to serve as Director-General of the ADC Presidential Campaign Organisation ahead of the contest, which the opposition hopes will mount a credible challenge to the ruling APC and President Tinubu.