Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is set to run alongside former Minister of Transportation Chibuike Amaechi on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket for the Jan. 16, 2027, election, pending any last-minute changes.
The development follows weeks of negotiations within the ADC-led opposition coalition and is seen as a strategic move to balance the ticket between the North-East and South-South regions.
Amaechi’s emergence as Atiku’s running mate comes after speculation intensified following the departure of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and former New Nigeria Peoples Party candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso to the rival Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), where they are expected to form a joint ticket.
The decision also marks a contrast with the 2023 election cycle, when Atiku declined to pick former Rivers State Gov. Nyesom Wike as his running mate despite Wike finishing second in the Peoples Democratic Party presidential primary.
Amaechi had previously denied seeking the vice-presidential slot and insisted that any presidential candidate should emerge through a direct primary rather than consensus.
A close associate of the former minister said Atiku persuaded Amaechi to accept the position by assuring him of a significant role in both the campaign and a potential administration.
Meanwhile, ADC chieftain Eze Chukwuemeka Eze dismissed reports suggesting Amaechi had rejected the vice-presidential offer, describing comments attributed to party stalwart Dele Momodu as personal opinions capable of causing unnecessary tension within the party.
In a statement marking Democracy Day, Atiku accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of undermining the ideals of June 12 through actions he said weaken democratic institutions and opposition parties.
He called on Nigerians to resist bad governance, reject political intimidation and defend democratic values.
Atiku alleged that opposition parties have faced sustained attacks through leadership disputes, defections, political pressure and the misuse of state institutions ahead of the 2027 elections.
He further claimed that anti-corruption agencies, the police, the National Assembly and parts of the judiciary have increasingly been used to intimidate opposition figures and suppress dissent.
