Says Former Rivers Governor Brings Experience, National Reach and Electoral Strength

A prominent support group within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), ADC Like-Minds, has commended the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, for selecting former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election.

The group described the Atiku-Amaechi partnership as a pragmatic, broad-based and pan-Nigerian ticket capable of galvanizing support across the country and positioning the ADC as a formidable force in the race for the presidency.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Adolphus Ude, the ADC Like-Minds said Amaechi possesses the political experience, leadership pedigree, administrative competence and nationwide network required to complement Atiku’s presidential ambition.

According to the group, the former Rivers State governor has distinguished himself as a seasoned politician, accomplished public servant and resilient political strategist whose influence cuts across ethnic, regional, religious and partisan lines.

“Amaechi is a consummate politician, a bridge builder and a loyal party man whose political relationships transcend Nigeria’s traditional divides,” the statement noted.

The group highlighted Amaechi’s extensive political career, recalling his tenure as a two-time Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Chairman of the Conference of Speakers, two-term Governor of Rivers State, Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), and Minister of Transportation under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

It particularly praised his administration in Rivers State for what it described as landmark investments in education, including the construction of hundreds of model primary schools and 24 world-class secondary schools equipped with modern learning facilities.

ADC Like-Minds also credited Amaechi with key achievements in the transport sector during his eight-year tenure as minister, citing the completion of the Warri-Itakpe rail line, the Abuja-Kaduna railway project and the modernization of several airports nationwide.

The group further noted that his contributions to national development earned him the prestigious traditional title of Dan Amanar Daura by the Daura Emirate Council in Katsina State in 2022.

Making a case for the electoral value of the Atiku-Amaechi ticket, the support group argued that the former governor’s political influence and family ties to the South-East would strengthen the ADC’s appeal in both the South-South and South-East geopolitical zones.

Referencing the Igbo proverb, “Ogo bu chi onye” (an in-law is one’s god), the group said Amaechi’s relationship with the South-East places him in a unique position to foster stronger political connections and mobilize support for the ADC across the region.

The statement also pointed to Amaechi’s role in the Buhari administration, noting that he worked alongside relevant government officials to facilitate the completion of the Second Niger Bridge, a project widely regarded as critical to economic integration in the South-East.

According to the group, Amaechi’s Catholic faith and longstanding relationship with communities across the South-East would further enhance the acceptance of the Atiku-Amaechi ticket among voters in the region.

Describing the alliance as a symbol of national unity and cooperation, ADC Like-Minds expressed confidence that the partnership would resonate with Nigerians seeking an alternative political direction ahead of the 2027 general election.

The group urged party members and supporters nationwide to rally behind the presidential ticket, while expressing optimism that the ADC would provide what it termed a credible roadmap for addressing insecurity, economic challenges and governance issues confronting the nation.

“Our prayer is that God grants our presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and his running mate, Rotimi Amaechi, the wisdom to assemble a strong campaign team. We are committed to supporting them in their quest to provide a new direction for Nigeria,” the statement concluded.