Atiku Abubakar Reportedly Selects Rotimi Amaechi as Running Mate for 2027 Presidential Election
Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 elections, has reportedly chosen Rotimi Amaechi, a former minister of transportation, as his running mate. This decision comes after a comprehensive assessment of the political landscape, according to party sources.
The Nigerian Tribune reported on Sunday, June 14, that Atiku made this choice following detailed consultations. Insiders revealed that selecting a candidate from the south-east was deemed disadvantageous, especially with Peter Obi already contesting under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) platform after exiting the ADC.
Why Atiku Chose Amaechi
The initial plan was to pick a governor from the south-west, but this was reconsidered because voters in that region might be unwilling to exchange the presidency for the vice-presidential slot. Attention then shifted to the south-south, where former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s influence is seen as a potential boost to the ticket’s appeal.
A source stated: “I can assure you that once the presidential candidate returns, Amaechi will be presented to the public.” Atiku is reportedly on a short foreign trip.
Growing Speculation Over Atiku-Amaechi Ticket
Speculation over a possible Atiku-Amaechi ticket has intensified since the ADC presidential primary in May, which Atiku won ahead of Amaechi and other aspirants. Reports suggest that the former vice president opted for a north-east/south-south combination, with Atiku from Adamawa State and Amaechi from Rivers State.
The speculation gained further traction after ADC chieftain Chukwuemeka Eze dismissed claims that Amaechi had rejected a possible vice-presidential offer. Eze was reacting to comments attributed to party stalwart Dele Momodu, who suggested that the former transportation minister was unwilling to accept the position. Eze said there was no basis for concluding that Amaechi had turned down the purported offer.
If Amaechi accepts the role, it would be the third time he occupies such a position. The 61-year-old previously served as director-general of both successful presidential campaigns of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari. He led the Buhari–Yemi Osinbajo Presidential Campaign Organisation during the 2015 elections and was reappointed for Buhari’s 2019 re-election bid.
Despite being a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the time, Amaechi declined to campaign for Bola Tinubu, the current Nigerian president, stating that he was not convinced Tinubu could lead Nigeria.
As of the time of this report, neither Atiku nor Amaechi had publicly confirmed Sunday's report.
Atiku Not Yet Retired
Ahead of the 2027 elections, Atiku accused “anti-democratic elements” of attempting to create confusion and dampen the momentum of the ADC. According to a statement by Atiku's media office, insinuations that he has quit active politics are fake news.
