ABUJA: Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi have formally submitted their presidential nomination forms at the national headquarters of the African Democratic Congress in Abuja, signaling an early intensification of political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election.
Atiku announced his submission on Thursday through his social media platform, describing his presidential ambition as part of a wider national movement aimed at restoring prosperity and rebuilding the country.
According to the former vice president, the campaign goes beyond politics and represents a collective effort to rescue Nigeria from economic and social decline.
He called on Nigerians across regional, ethnic and religious lines to support what he described as a cause rooted in hope, renewal and national unity. Atiku said the movement seeks to restore the country’s promise and return it to a path of stability and growth.
Amaechi also submitted his nomination forms at the party secretariat on the same day, using the occasion to outline his vision for the country and sharply criticise the current administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The former Rivers State governor said Nigeria’s next president should emerge based on competence, performance and experience rather than ethnic or regional sentiments.
He argued that the 2027 election should serve as a referendum on the track records of all aspirants who have previously held public office.
Amaechi said his years in government, first as governor of Rivers State and later as Minister of Transportation under former President Muhammadu Buhari, have equipped him with the experience needed to lead the country.
He maintained that he has the capacity to defeat the incumbent and pledged to transform Nigeria within four years if elected.
He pointed to infrastructure projects completed during his tenure, especially major railway developments such as the Abuja-Kaduna and Lagos-Ibadan rail lines, as evidence of his leadership record.
Amaechi also took a swipe at what he described as the Emilokan style of politics, blaming turn-by-turn leadership arguments for the nation’s present hardship.
He said Nigerians should reject identity politics and vote strictly on merit, insisting that the current economic difficulties stem from decisions driven by entitlement rather than competence.
Their declarations come as the ADC continues to attract prominent political figures amid shifting alliances and growing speculation over a broad opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
