2027: Atiku finalizes move to announce Rotimi Amaechi as running mate

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reportedly finalised plans to run with former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, as his running mate on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The development follows weeks of intense consultations and negotiations within the opposition coalition, with party insiders indicating that the Atiku-Amaechi partnership is aimed at strengthening the ADC’s chances in what is expected to be a highly competitive contest.

The proposed ticket comes as a direct response to the emergence of the Peter Obi-Rabiu Kwankwaso alliance on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), setting the stage for a major opposition battle ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential election.

Political observers note that the choice of Amaechi provides a North-East and South-South regional balance for the ADC ticket while also bringing together two experienced political figures with extensive national networks.

The decision is particularly significant given Atiku’s refusal to pick former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike as his running mate after the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party presidential primary, a move that contributed to internal divisions within the PDP at the time.

Although Amaechi had previously dismissed suggestions that he was positioning himself for a vice-presidential slot, sources familiar with the discussions said he eventually accepted after receiving assurances that he would play a substantial role both during the campaign and in a potential administration.

Meanwhile, Atiku used the occasion of Democracy Day to criticise the administration of President Bola Tinubu, alleging that recent actions by the Federal Government contradict the ideals and sacrifices associated with the June 12 democratic struggle.

In a statement commemorating Democracy Day, the former Vice President accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of weakening opposition parties through what he described as political intimidation, engineered defections and the misuse of state institutions.

According to him, institutions that should operate independently have increasingly been used to suppress opposition voices and undermine democratic competition ahead of the 2027 elections.

Atiku called on Nigerians to defend democratic values, resist political intimidation and remain committed to preserving the principles for which pro-democracy activists fought and sacrificed.

The ADC is yet to make an official announcement regarding the proposed Atiku-Amaechi ticket, but party sources insist discussions have reached an advanced stage as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

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