Atiku and Amaechi Submit ADC Forms for 2027 Race

ABUJA, May 14, 2026 — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi formally submitted their presidential nomination forms to the African Democratic Congress on Thursday. Both men are seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

The submission took place at the ADC national secretariat in Abuja. Supporters of both aspirants gathered at the venue to witness the occasion. Atiku paid N90 million for his nomination form, a payment the ADC confirmed was made on May 8, 2026.

Posting on X after the submission, Atiku described the move as a decisive step toward national renewal. “The march to restore prosperity and better days to our beloved nation took a firm and decisive step forward today. I call on all Nigerians, regardless of region, faith, or background, to join us in this noble cause,” Atiku wrote.

Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State, also posted on X to confirm his entry into the race. “Today I submitted my presidential nomination forms at the ADC Secretariat, officially throwing my hat in the ring to salvage our country,” Amaechi said.

Atiku joined the ADC in late 2025 after years in the Peoples Democratic Party. His defection was seen as a major shift in opposition politics. Political analysts say his move to the ADC reflects growing frustration with the PDP and a desire to build a broader opposition coalition ahead of 2027.

Amaechi, who served in the Buhari administration, is also regarded as a significant political figure with strong support in Rivers State and parts of southern Nigeria. His entry adds another major name to what is shaping up to be a crowded ADC presidential primary.

Other notable figures who have also obtained ADC presidential nomination forms include economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen. The ADC has announced that its primary elections for various offices will commence from May 21, 2026.

The ruling All Progressives Congress has not yet officially declared President Tinubu as its candidate for 2027, but party officials have repeatedly stated that Tinubu will seek a second term.

Political observers say the 2027 election is shaping up to be one of Nigeria’s most competitive in recent memory, with multiple credible opposition figures now making formal moves to challenge the incumbent.