Former Governor Rotimi Amaechi in a handshake with former VP Atiku Abubakar

Author: Gist Correspondent

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is reportedly set to pick former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, as his vice-presidential candidate on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 presidential election.

The development follows weeks of consultations and negotiations within the opposition coalition and is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the party’s chances in the January 16, 2027 presidential poll.

If confirmed, the pairing would produce an Atiku-Amaechi ticket, balancing the North-East and South-South geopolitical zones on the ADC presidential ballot.

Political observers say the choice of Amaechi comes amid growing competition within the opposition camp, particularly following the emergence of a rival alliance involving Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Amaechi had previously dismissed speculation linking him to a vice-presidential ambition, insisting after obtaining his presidential nomination form that he was contesting for the party’s top ticket and not positioning himself for a running mate role.

He had also argued in favour of a transparent primary process rather than a consensus arrangement for selecting the party’s presidential candidate.

However, sources close to the former Rivers State governor indicated that consultations involving influential political figures from the North-West and South-South eventually persuaded him to accept the proposal after assurances that he would play a prominent role in both the campaign and a potential future administration.

The reported decision comes after earlier denials by some ADC stakeholders that Amaechi had rejected a vice-presidential slot. Party chieftain Eze Chukwuemeka Eze had described such claims as speculative and capable of creating unnecessary divisions within the party.

Meanwhile, Atiku used his Democracy Day message on June 12 to criticise the administration of President Bola Tinubu, alleging that recent political developments run contrary to the ideals and sacrifices associated with the June 12 struggle.

In a statement personally signed by him, the former vice president urged Nigerians to resist what he described as democratic backsliding, political intimidation and attempts to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to Atiku, opposition parties have faced increasing pressure through leadership disputes, defections and the alleged misuse of state institutions.

He further claimed that agencies of government and democratic institutions were increasingly being used to harass and intimidate opposition figures, warning that such actions could undermine Nigeria’s democratic development.

The ADC is yet to make an official announcement on the vice-presidential nomination, but the reported Atiku-Amaechi alliance is already generating significant interest as political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections continue to take shape.