Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi have formally entered the 2027 presidential race under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after submitting their nomination forms at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
The separate submissions on Thursday signalled an intensifying battle for the ADC presidential ticket as political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum.
Atiku, in a message posted on his X account after the submission, described his presidential ambition as part of a broader national movement aimed at rescuing Nigeria from economic and social decline.
“The march to restore prosperity and better days to our beloved nation took a firm and decisive step forward today,” the former vice president stated.
According to him, the movement goes beyond partisan politics and is focused on rebuilding hope and restoring confidence in the country’s future.
“This is more than a political journey; it is a national movement rooted in hope, renewal and the collective resolve to save Nigeria from despair,” he added.
Atiku also called on Nigerians across ethnic and religious lines to support the ADC’s vision ahead of the 2027 elections.
Meanwhile, Amaechi used the occasion to present himself as the most experienced contender in the race, insisting that competence and track record should shape voters’ decisions rather than ethnic or regional considerations.
The former Rivers State governor said he possesses the experience and capacity needed to reverse Nigeria’s current economic challenges within four years.
“What Nigerians should do is assess all of us who are running for office based on our records,” Amaechi said after submitting his forms.
He pointed to his tenure as governor of Rivers State and later as Minister of Transportation under former President Muhammadu Buhari as evidence of his leadership credentials.
Amaechi also criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over worsening economic hardship, arguing that identity politics had contributed to the country’s current struggles.
“Nigerians should vote for merit, not vote for those who say, ‘I’m from this place’ or ‘it is our turn,’” he said.
The former minister further declared that the 2027 election should serve as a referendum on the performance and experience of aspirants seeking to lead the country.
Amaechi was a prominent figure in the formation of the All Progressives Congress and later served as Director-General of Buhari’s 2015 presidential campaign.
As transportation minister between 2015 and 2023, he supervised major rail projects, including the Abuja-Kaduna and Lagos-Ibadan railway lines.
The ADC has recently emerged as a platform attracting influential political figures ahead of the next general elections, as opposition actors continue consultations aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape.
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