The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has picked former Rivers State governor and ex–transport minister Rotimi Amaechi as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election.

Party officials say the decision followed internal consultations that reviewed potential candidates across the South-East and South-West before narrowing the choice to the South-South.

A senior party source described the process as pragmatic rather than symbolic. “The conversation was never about sentiment. It was about where the ticket could gain real traction across regions,” the source said.

According to insiders, early interest in the South-East lost momentum after Labour Party’s Peter Obi emerged as a separate presidential contender. “Once Obi settled outside the ADC structure, the arithmetic changed quickly. It reduced the leverage that zone could offer,” another party figure said.

Attention then shifted to the South-West, but discussions reportedly stalled over political calculations within the region. A party official familiar with the talks said: “Some stakeholders were not convinced about stepping into a vice-presidential role at this stage of their political trajectory. That reality narrowed the options.”

Amaechi’s eventual emergence was tied to his experience in both state and federal government, as well as his established political networks. “He has governed a strategic state, led the Governors’ Forum, and held a key federal ministry. That combination mattered,” a party insider explained.

Another source pointed to his reach beyond the South-South. “His relationships cut across the South-East and parts of the South-South. That crossover influence was central to the final consideration,” the source said.

Party figures also said the decision was influenced by a desire to avoid internal friction ahead of the election cycle. “There is a conscious effort to avoid the divisions that weakened opposition coordination in past elections. Every bloc is being engaged this time,” a senior official noted.

The formal unveiling of the running mate is expected once Atiku returns from a short foreign trip, according to officials involved in the process.