Former Minister of Transportation and two-term Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has reportedly agreed to serve as the running mate to the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, ahead of the 2027 general election.
The development marks a significant shift in the party’s post-primary politics, months after both leaders contested the ADC presidential ticket.
Confirmation of the decision came from a former Rivers State chairman of the party, Sampson Leader, who disclosed on Saturday that Amaechi had accepted the vice-presidential slot offered by Atiku.
The former minister was among the leading contenders in the party’s presidential primary but lost to the former vice president, who secured the ticket to fly the party’s flag in the next presidential election.
Amaechi had, before the primary, repeatedly insisted that he joined the race to pursue the presidency and not to negotiate for the position of vice president.
His stance fuelled speculation that he might reject any offer to deputise another candidate if he failed to secure the party’s ticket.
The former Rivers governor also voiced reservations about the conduct of the primary election, following claims by some party members that the process was tilted in favour of Atiku.
However, the latest development appears to signal a reconciliation within the party, with both politicians now set to work together as the ADC intensifies preparations for the 2027 polls.
The alliance is expected to strengthen the party’s campaign strategy, particularly given Amaechi’s political influence in the South-South and his longstanding presence on the national political stage.
While the ADC is yet to make a formal announcement on the ticket, party sources say consultations leading to the decision have been ongoing since the conclusion of the primary election.
Political analysts believe the Atiku-Amaechi partnership could significantly alter the dynamics of the 2027 presidential race, especially as opposition parties seek to build formidable coalitions capable of challenging the ruling party.
As of press time, neither Atiku nor Amaechi had publicly commented on the reported agreement.
