Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has reportedly accepted the offer to become the running mate to the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, ahead of the 2027 general election.
The development effectively sets up an Atiku-Amaechi ticket, combining the former Vice President from Adamawa State with the influential South-South politician in what party insiders believe will strengthen the ADC’s national appeal.
Amaechi, who finished second behind Atiku in the party’s presidential primary, had initially dismissed suggestions that he was seeking a vice-presidential slot, insisting that he did not purchase the party’s nomination form merely to become a running mate.
However, following consultations and reconciliation efforts after the primary, reports indicated that the former Rivers State governor has agreed to join forces with Atiku in a bid to mount a strong challenge in the 2027 presidential election.
A former chairman of the ADC in Rivers State, Sampson, confirmed that Amaechi had accepted the offer, while close associates of the former minister disclosed that assurances were given regarding his role in both the campaign and a possible future administration.
The anticipated North-East/South-South alliance is expected to bolster the party’s support base and enhance its strategy of building a broad opposition coalition ahead of the next polls.
As of the time of filing this report, the national leadership of the ADC had yet to issue an official statement confirming the development, although party sources indicated that a formal announcement could be made in due course.
Political observers say the pairing of Atiku and Amaechi represents one of the major realignments shaping the country’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
