The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has outlined its economic priorities, leadership experience, and commitment to regional inclusion as Nigeria prepares for the January presidential election. With less than four months until the election, the ADC has entered a new phase of its campaign, focusing on economic recovery, national development, and political inclusion. Presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has approved the party's National Campaign Council, chaired by Kashim Ibrahim-Imam.
The announcement follows the publication of the final presidential candidate list, confirming former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as Atiku's running mate for the 16 January 2027 election. Attention is increasingly turning to the South-South, whose petroleum resources remain central to Nigeria's economy despite persistent concerns about environmental degradation, unemployment, and inadequate infrastructure. The ADC presents the Atiku-Amaechi partnership as combining Atiku's experience in national economic administration with Amaechi's legislative, gubernatorial, and ministerial background.
According to the party, their combined experience provides a foundation for its proposed programme of economic recovery, improved security, employment creation, and national development. Mabel Oboh, ADC South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary, said economic development and meaningful regional representation were key considerations in the party's presidential campaign. The party has identified national unity, economic revival, and inclusive development among its campaign priorities.
Oboh emphasised the importance of translating the party's economic commitments into practical improvements in Nigerians' living standards. She stated that the ADC's commitment to economic recovery reflects in the practical programmes that expand employment, strengthen infrastructure, encourage investment, and improve the living standards of ordinary Nigerians. These priorities should define the national conversation ahead of 2027.
The party has highlighted Amaechi's political record as a significant element of its presidential ticket. During his tenure as Rivers State governor, Amaechi's administration invested extensively in education, healthcare, and road infrastructure. Historical reporting documented the construction of approximately 500 model primary schools, the equipping of more than 250 of those schools, the recruitment and retraining of approximately 13,000 teachers, and the construction of more than 110 healthcare centres.
Oboh highlighted the significance of Amaechi's experience in both state and federal administration. She stated that Amaechi's experience in state administration and federal transportation policy brings an important South-South perspective to discussions about national infrastructure. His background illustrates the potential contribution that experienced regional leaders can make to federal economic planning. The South-South's economic significance extends beyond petroleum revenue, with its ports, waterways, agricultural resources, and commercial centres offering opportunities for industrial expansion and economic diversification.
The ADC has highlighted Amaechi's South-South background and national administrative experience as important characteristics of its presidential partnership. Oboh stated that meaningful South-South representation involves more than political appointments, strengthening national attention to environmental protection, industrial investment, maritime development, and employment opportunities for communities whose resources contribute substantially to Nigeria's economy. As campaigning intensifies, the Atiku-Amaechi ticket's economic commitments and administrative records will form part of a broader national debate about Nigeria's future.
Key points
- The ADC prioritizes economic recovery, national development, and political inclusion ahead of the January presidential election.
- The Atiku-Amaechi partnership combines Atiku's experience in national economic administration with Amaechi's legislative, gubernatorial, and ministerial background.
- The South-South region's economic significance extends beyond petroleum revenue, with opportunities for industrial expansion and economic diversification.
