Former vice president and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 election, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed condolences to his running mate, Rotimi Amaechi, following the death of the former Rivers state governor’s mother, Mrs Mary Amaechi.

Mrs Amaechi died on Thursday at the age of 89, according to a statement issued by Amaechi’s media office.

The statement described the deceased as a respected matriarch whose life was defined by faith, service and commitment to her family and community.

“Late Mrs Mary Amaechi was a cherished matriarch who held her family together in love, peace and unity,” the statement said.

It added that she was a community women’s leader and Christian leader whose faith in God remained “firm and resolute.”

The media office further noted that she was widely admired for her warmth, kindness and unwavering support for people within and outside her community.

It said the Amaechi family was grateful for the outpouring of sympathy received since her passing, adding that funeral arrangements would be announced later.

Reacting to the development, Atiku described the late Mrs Amaechi as a devoted Christian and a woman whose life positively impacted many people.

“I join the family, friends, and associates of His Excellency Rotimi Amaechi, our vice-presidential candidate in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in mourning the passing of his beloved mother, Mrs Mary Amaechi,” Atiku said.

“I am told that she lived an exemplary Christian life marked by devotion to God, faithful worship, and selfless service to her community.

“She was a mother to all who crossed her path, and Nigeria remains deeply indebted to her memory for raising one of our outstanding statesmen and great patriots, His Excellency Rotimi Amaechi, former Governor of Rivers State and former Minister of Transportation.

“I pray that God grants her beautiful soul eternal rest and comforts the family, friends, and loved ones she has left behind.”

Amaechi emerged as Atiku’s running mate after the ADC selected the former vice president as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

Atiku secured the party’s ticket with 1,846,370 votes, defeating Amaechi, who polled 504,117 votes, while former Managing Director of the defunct FSB International Bank, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, finished third with 177,120 votes.