A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kelly Agaba, has declared that the Atiku Abubakar/Rotimi Amaechi joint ticket for the 2027 presidential election represents a cohesion-building project and a unifying idea that Nigeria urgently needs. Agaba stated that the Atiku/Amaechi ticket is more than just names on a ballot; it serves as a bridge to heal the nation's divisions.
Why Atiku/Amaechi Ticket Will Defeat Tinubu
Agaba explained that the Atiku/Amaechi ticket possesses the synergy of experience and a robust track record capable of charting a new pathway for Nigeria. He emphasized that Nigerians desire competent leadership that values diversity and unity in the upcoming election. According to Agaba, Nigeria is currently fractured and requires leadership that not only wins elections but also heals the country.
“Atiku understands the presidency, the corridors of power, and the weight of national leadership. Amaechi has been Speaker of a state assembly, a two-term Governor of Rivers State, and a two-term Minister of the Federal Republic,” Agaba said during an exclusive interview with Legit.ng on Friday, June 19, 2026.
Regional and Religious Balance
The ADC chieftain highlighted that the Atiku/Amaechi ticket offers regional and religious balance, which he believes will attract Nigerian voters. He described the ticket as a North/South political marriage and a Muslim/Christian balance, contrasting it with the Tinubu/Shettima ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which he called mono-religious-centric.
“The ticket brings balance to the table. It’s a North/South political marriage. More importantly, it gives us Muslim/Christian balance. Not like the mono-religious-centric ticket we saw with Tinubu/Shettima. This one speaks to both sides of our diversity. It says to Nigerians: your faith, your region, your voice matters,” Agaba stated.
Agaba, who is the coordinator of the Citizens Coalition, stressed that Nigerians are tired of experiments that divide them and are now seeking competence, balance, and unity.
ADC Leader Speaks on Zoning Controversy
Previously, ADC chieftain Ndubisi Nwobu defended Atiku’s choice of Amaechi as running mate for 2027, dismissing zoning concerns and insisting that political victory depends on strategy and candidate selection. Nwobu expressed confidence in ADC’s electoral prospects while addressing disputes around the party's deregistration ruling.
Kenneth Okonkwo Withdraws Support for Atiku
In a related development, Kenneth Okonkwo has withdrawn his support for Atiku and the ADC ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Okonkwo criticized ADC's vice presidential pick from the South-South, calling it marginalization of the South-East. He insisted on representation for the South-East and refused to campaign for a non-South-East ticket in the 2027 election.
