Atiku Returns to Nigeria Ahead of Amaechi’s Official Unveiling as His Running Mate

To participate in uploading his presidential credentials to INEC

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), returned to Nigeria following a business trip abroad.

His return allows him to take part in the official unveiling of his running mate, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, and to upload his presidential nomination form, which is expected to begin on Monday.

He arrived at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Saturday night after a brief overseas business trip.

All political parties are expected to submit their INEC nomination forms, which were shared with them last week.

Party nominees are expected to complete the INEC forms and return them to their parties, allowing the forms to be uploaded using the access code.

His arrival comes amid expectations about his choice of running mate for the 2027 presidential election.

Additionally, the former vice president’s return will allow him to finalize the nomination of former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi as his vice‑presidential candidate.

The ADC announced Amaechi as its vice‑presidential candidate, but the former vice‑president has not yet made an official announcement.

Atiku, who won the ADC presidential primary in May, was welcomed by a crowd of supporters upon his return.

On social media, accompanied by photos of his arrival, Atiku’s media aide Abdulrasheed Shehu wrote, “His Excellency Atiku Abubakar joyfully returned to Nigeria after a brief overseas trip, greeted warmly by enthusiastic supporters and numerous well‑wishers.”

Shehu had clarified on June 21 that the formal unveiling of Amaechi was delayed only because Atiku was abroad on a brief business trip.

At that time, the aide stressed that “there was no crisis over the vice‑presidential slot” and assured the public that the official announcement would proceed smoothly once the candidate returned to Nigerian soil.