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

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has cleared all three of its presidential aspirants to participate in the party’s direct primary election scheduled for Monday, May 25, ahead of the 2027 general election.

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

The party also cleared 80 governorship aspirants, 109 senatorial aspirants, and 513 House of Representatives aspirants for its forthcoming primaries.

According to party sources, efforts to achieve a consensus presidential candidate were unsuccessful, as none of the three aspirants agreed to step down for another.

A source within the Senator Liyel Imoke-led Presidential Screening Committee disclosed that the committee subsequently recommended the activation of all arrangements for a direct primary election across the federation.

“The presidential nomination election will take place in all the wards, and the presidential aspirants have been so informed,” the source said.

The ADC’s direct presidential primary is expected to be conducted in all 8,809 wards nationwide.

The Presidential Screening Committee is chaired by Imoke, with Hon. CID Maduabum serving as secretary. Other members include Alhaji Lawal Batagarawa, Prof. Bode Ayorinde, Hon. Nnena Elendu-Ukeje, Prof. David Salifu, and Col. Abubakar Ali Ciroma (rtd.).

Speaking after his screening, Amaechi reaffirmed his determination to contest for the presidency, dismissing suggestions that he could settle for a vice-presidential slot.

“I don’t want to be vice president. I made myself clear,” he said.

He also stated that, if elected president, he would seek to abolish the federal character principle, arguing that all Nigerians should enjoy equal citizenship rights irrespective of ethnic or regional background.

While Hayatu-Deen Mohammed did not indicate any intention to withdraw from the race, he reportedly said he would abide by the final decision of the party.

The outcome of Monday’s primary is expected to determine who will carry the ADC flag into what is shaping up to be a highly competitive 2027 presidential election.

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