By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
ABUJA — Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has reportedly selected former Minister of Transportation and ex-Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as his running mate ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential election.
The move, which followed weeks of consultations and political negotiations within the opposition coalition, is expected to produce an Atiku-Amaechi ticket aimed at mounting a strong challenge against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Political observers described the combination as a strategic North-East and South-South alliance intended to broaden the ADC’s national appeal and consolidate support across the country.
The Merit Newspaper reports that Amaechi, a former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and two-term governor, had initially been reluctant to accept the vice-presidential slot, but reportedly agreed after appeals from key stakeholders within the coalition.
Sources familiar with the arrangement disclosed that Atiku assured the former Rivers governor of a prominent role in both the campaign and any future administration should the party emerge victorious in the 2027 polls.
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The former Vice President also renewed his criticism of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing the ruling party of actions aimed at weakening opposition forces and undermining democratic values.
The development comes amid intense political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the opposition seeking to present a united front capable of ending the APC’s hold on power.
Amaechi, who previously served as Director-General of Muhammadu Buhari’s successful 2015 presidential campaign, is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most influential political strategists. His emergence alongside Atiku is expected to reshape calculations ahead of the fiercely anticipated presidential contest.
Neither Atiku nor Amaechi had officially issued a joint statement on the development as of Friday, although sources within the party indicated that consultations on campaign structures and policy priorities had already commenced.
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Analysts believe the proposed ticket could significantly alter the political landscape as preparations intensify for what is expected to be one of Nigeria’s most competitive elections since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
