ADC holds presidential primary today as Atiku, Amaechi, Hayatu-Deen battle for ticket

The opposition African Democratic Congress will today conduct its presidential primary election across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with party members expected to choose among three aspirants seeking the party’s ticket for the 2027 general election.

The contenders are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and economist and banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.

Ahead of the exercise, Atiku urged party members to prioritise competence, experience and national acceptability in choosing a candidate capable of challenging the ruling APC in 2027. In a statement issued by his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, the former vice president argued that Nigeria’s current economic and security challenges require tested leadership rather than what he described as “political experimentation.”

According to Atiku, the next president must possess executive experience, economic knowledge and the ability to build broad national consensus. He also pointed to his role in the economic reforms undertaken during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo as evidence of his preparedness for the office.

Meanwhile, stakeholders of the ADC across the South-West have thrown their weight behind Hayatu-Deen’s presidential ambition. The endorsement was announced by the ADC South-West Professionals Forum through its leader, Babajide Dosunmu, who described Hayatu-Deen as the candidate best equipped to address Nigeria’s economic and governance challenges.

The group said Hayatu-Deen’s background in banking, economic management, public policy and institutional leadership makes him a strong contender capable of restoring investor confidence, tackling unemployment and improving governance.

The endorsement comes amid a growing contest for influence within the party. While several ADC chapters in Kaduna, Kebbi, Bauchi, Kano, Delta and Niger states have already endorsed Atiku ahead of the primary, Hayatu-Deen is drawing support from sections of the party that are seeking a technocratic alternative.

The outcome of today’s nationwide direct primary is expected to determine who will carry the ADC flag into what promises to be a highly competitive 2027 presidential election.

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