ADC clears Atiku, Amaechi, Hayatu‑Deen for presidential primaries as consensus fails

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has cleared three heavyweight aspirants — former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and economist Mohammed Hayatu‑Deen — to contest its presidential primary election scheduled for Monday, May 25, 2026.

In a statement issued in Abuja by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC confirmed that alongside the presidential aspirants, 513 candidates were cleared for the House of Representatives primaries, 109 for the Senate, and 80 governorship aspirants across the federation.

Atiku Abubakar is banking on his national experience, promising inclusive governance, economic reforms, and unity, urging delegates to trust his political network to strengthen ADC’s chances in 2027.

Rotimi Amaechi has ruled out any vice‑presidential ambition, insisting he is in the race to win, pledging equal citizenship rights, infrastructure expansion, and strong leadership.

Mohammed Hayatu‑Deen, presenting himself as a fresh alternative, vows to tackle insecurity head‑on, citing personal family tragedy, while promising economic recovery through agro‑processing zones, youth employment, and women empowerment.

Party insiders disclosed that attempts to secure a consensus candidate failed, paving the way for a full‑scale primary across 8,809 wards.

Delegates now face a choice between experience (Atiku), political resilience (Amaechi), or fresh technocratic leadership (Hayatu‑Deen). The ADC says the primaries will be conducted in line with its approved timetable, stressing transparency and credibility as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.