Former VP seals North-East/South-South alliance after tense coalition talks, vows strong role for ex-Rivers governor

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has settled on former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as his running mate under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the January 16, 2027 presidential election.

The move comes after weeks of intense negotiations within the opposition coalition, following friction from the party’s presidential primary and the defection of key political figures to rival platforms. Insiders say the pairing is designed to boost the ADC’s national reach, blending Atiku’s North-East base with Amaechi’s South-South political influence in what analysts are already branding an “AA ticket.”

Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State, was initially reluctant to accept the vice-presidential slot. However, he eventually agreed after sustained pressure from influential stakeholders within the coalition. Atiku has since assured that Amaechi will be central to both the campaign strategy and the structure of a potential ADC-led administration.

In announcing the decision, Atiku also took aim at the ruling APC, accusing the federal government of moves to undermine opposition parties ahead of the 2027 polls. He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and committed to protecting democratic values.