The African Democratic Congress is set to begin the process of electing its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election today, with party members across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory expected to take part in the exercise.
Sources within the party disclosed that the ADC would proceed with the direct primary method after efforts to produce a consensus candidate failed, according to THE PUNCH.
The three leading aspirants — former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and ex-banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen — reportedly rejected appeals to step down for one candidate.
Although party leaders had initially explored the possibility of adopting an affirmation process similar to that used by the Nigeria Democratic Congress, officials insisted that the direct primary system remains consistent with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
With voting scheduled for today, political observers have focused attention on the influence, popularity, and perceived limitations of the contenders seeking the ADC’s presidential ticket.
Atiku, one of Nigeria’s most recognisable opposition politicians and a former Vice President, enters the race backed by extensive political experience and a wide national network built over several decades.
Since his exit from the Peoples Democratic Party in November 2025, he has remained central to efforts aimed at building a united opposition coalition on the ADC platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
Working closely with former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who currently serve as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary respectively, Atiku has spearheaded moves to consolidate opposition forces against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Prominent politicians believed to be supporting his ambition include former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi, and ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal.
Political analysts believe Atiku’s national structure, financial strength, and widespread recognition may place him ahead of his rivals in the contest.
A former PDP stalwart who recently joined the ADC described Atiku as the leading contender.
“I believe the party will ultimately settle for a candidate capable of attracting votes across the country. Atiku may have lost several presidential contests in the past, but when you compare his political profile with those of the other aspirants, it is clear he holds a significant advantage.
“Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen are both familiar faces in national politics, but Atiku remains a formidable force that will be difficult for either of them to overcome,” he said, requesting anonymity due to his closeness to the aspirants.
A serving member of the House of Representatives and ADC chieftain also suggested that the race currently favours the former Vice President.
“All three aspirants have paid their dues in Nigerian politics, whether we acknowledge it or not. But I do not see Atiku losing to either of them.
“Recall that during the PDP presidential primaries in Port Harcourt, Atiku faced a major challenge yet still emerged victorious, despite then-Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike backing Aminu Tambuwal. In my view, Atiku stands a better chance than the other two contenders,” he said.
Despite his strong political profile, Atiku may still encounter resistance from members who believe younger politicians should now take over the leadership space. Critics argue that after remaining active in politics since 1992, the Waziri Adamawa should transition into the role of an elder statesman.
Amaechi, a former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, is also regarded as a major force in the primary election.
The former minister earned national prominence through railway projects executed during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. As a founding member of the All Progressives Congress, Amaechi was considered one of the most influential figures within the ruling party during Buhari’s final years in office.
Now contesting on the ADC platform, Amaechi is positioning himself as a credible alternative capable of rebuilding public trust in governance.
One of his close associates described him as the candidate best equipped to lead the country at this period.
“I do not have his permission to speak on his behalf, but Amaechi represents the kind of leadership Nigerians need for a fresh start,” the associate said.
The ally urged delegates to evaluate the performance records of all aspirants before making their decision.
“The schools Amaechi built as governor of Rivers State remain among the best examples of public infrastructure development in the country. Whatever critics may say, he was one of the key reasons the Buhari administration recorded notable achievements. The railway corridors operational in parts of the country today are part of his enduring legacy,” he added.
The associate also defended the argument for retaining power in the South, insisting that zoning considerations support Amaechi’s candidacy.
“Why are we here?” he asked. “The past three years have left many Nigerians questioning whether the right choices were made. If the presidency has remained in the South for four years and we agree that each region should complete eight years, then the party must put forward its strongest candidate. The South should retain the presidency, and Amaechi represents that option.”
Despite his support base across parts of the country, analysts say it remains uncertain whether Amaechi can generate enough nationwide backing within the ADC to neutralise Atiku’s established political machinery.
For Hayatu-Deen, the primary presents an opportunity to market himself as a technocrat capable of addressing Nigeria’s economic and governance problems.
The former Managing Director of FSB International Bank Plc has built his campaign around economic recovery, institutional reforms, and youth empowerment, which he says are essential to tackling insecurity and worsening hardship across the country.
Last week, Hayatu-Deen criticised his fellow aspirants and urged party members to reject what he termed “recycled politics.”
The 72-year-old economist has consistently maintained that Nigeria requires leadership rooted in competence, discipline, and people-oriented policies.
Although his policy-based campaign has attracted praise from some quarters, observers believe he still lacks the nationwide political visibility enjoyed by Atiku and Amaechi.
In a significant development ahead of the primary, ADC stakeholders in the South-West endorsed Hayatu-Deen’s candidacy on Sunday.
The endorsement was announced in a statement signed by Babajide Dosunmu, leader of the ADC South-West Professionals Forum, following consultations with party stakeholders, youth organisations, professionals, and grassroots mobilisers across the region.
Dosunmu said Hayatu-Deen possesses the qualities needed to reposition the country amid growing economic and governance challenges.
“The South-West has always stood for progressive politics, competent governance, intellectual depth, and economic transformation. After extensive consultations and engagements, we are convinced that Mohammed Hayatu-Deen embodies the kind of leadership Nigeria urgently requires at this critical moment,” the statement read.
He further stated that Hayatu-Deen’s experience in banking, economic management, public policy, and institutional leadership equips him to confront Nigeria’s security and economic crises.
“At a time when millions of Nigerians are struggling to survive, businesses are collapsing, young people are losing hope, and insecurity continues to threaten national stability, Nigeria needs a leader with proven competence, discipline, and a deep understanding of how economies function. Mohammed Hayatu-Deen possesses those qualities,” the statement added.
The group also praised his conduct during the primary process, particularly his appeal for aspirants to commit themselves to the ADC’s Governance Principles and Code of Ethics, known as The Orange Book.
“In a political culture where many seek power without accountability, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen has distinguished himself through integrity, issue-based engagement, and a clear commitment to values-driven leadership. Character matters. Integrity matters. Leadership matters,” Dosunmu stated.
The forum urged delegates to support Hayatu-Deen, describing the primary as a critical moment for both the ADC and the country’s political future.
“The decision before delegates today goes beyond personalities. It concerns the future of our party and the future of Nigeria. We believe Mohammed Hayatu-Deen gives the ADC its strongest chance to inspire confidence among Nigerians and present a credible national alternative capable of winning and governing effectively,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, internal tensions within the ADC escalated on Sunday as a faction loyal to Dumebi Kachikwu dissolved the party’s National Working Committee and declared him its sole presidential candidate.
The decision was reached during the faction’s national convention and presidential primary in Abuja, where delegates adopted Kachikwu through a voice vote.
The faction also announced the dissolution of the existing National Working Committee before unveiling a fresh set of national officers.
The newly announced officials include Kingsley Oggah as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Abdulkadir Bashir as National Chairman, Johnny Derek as National Secretary, Kennedy Odion as National Treasurer, Amirigoye as National Financial Secretary, and Dr Chris Ugwu as National Legal Adviser, alongside a National Publicity Secretary.
After receiving the party’s flag, Kachikwu said the country was facing a defining moment and required purposeful leadership to address insecurity, unemployment, economic hardship, and deepening divisions.
He lamented Nigeria’s worsening socio-economic situation, noting that increasing numbers of citizens were leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad.
According to him, the ADC must emerge as a credible alternative capable of restoring hope among Nigerians.
“The mass exodus of our middle class is indicative of those who have chosen not to be part of this hardship anymore,” he said.
Kachikwu also maintained that the country belongs to all citizens and should not remain under the control of a privileged minority.
Earlier, Chairman of ADC State Chairmen, Kingsley Oggah, described the convention as a major moment for the party, saying it reflected resilience despite ongoing internal disagreements.
He noted that party members remained committed to the survival of the ADC in spite of mounting tensions and pressure.
Also speaking, the newly elected National Chairman, Abdulkadir Bashir, appealed to members to respect the party’s constitution and avoid actions capable of deepening divisions within the ADC.
He stressed that no individual was greater than the party and called for unity ahead of future elections.
Bashir also appealed to aggrieved members to return and work together in strengthening the party’s structures nationwide.
