ADC Begins Presidential Primary as Atiku, Amaechi, Hayatu-Deen Battle for 2027 Ticket
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is set to begin the process of selecting its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election today, with party members across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory expected to participate in the exercise.
The party is expected to adopt the direct primary method after the three leading aspirants — former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen — reportedly rejected calls to step down for a consensus arrangement.
Although party leaders had earlier considered an affirmation process similar to the method used by the Nigeria Democratic Congress, ADC officials insist the direct primary option complies fully with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
As voting begins, political observers say the contest has evolved into a battle of political structure, national appeal, experience, and reform credentials among the three aspirants.
Atiku banking on political structure and national reach
Atiku enters the race as one of the country’s most experienced opposition politicians, with decades of political influence and a nationwide network built over years in public office.
Since leaving the Peoples Democratic Party in November 2025, the former vice president has played a central role in efforts to unite opposition figures under the ADC platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
Working alongside former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, now serving as ADC National Chairman and National Secretary respectively, Atiku has championed a broad coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Several influential political figures are reportedly backing his ambition, including former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi, and former SGF Babachir Lawal.
Political analysts believe Atiku’s financial strength, national recognition, and long-established political machinery give him a major advantage in the contest.
A former PDP chieftain who recently joined the ADC described Atiku as the frontrunner.
“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,” the source said.
However, critics argue that Atiku’s long political career could also become a challenge, with some party members insisting it is time for younger leaders to emerge.
Amaechi pushes southern presidency argument
Amaechi is also considered a strong contender in the race.
The former Rivers governor and ex-Minister of Transportation gained national prominence during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, particularly for railway infrastructure projects executed during his tenure.
Now seeking the ADC ticket, Amaechi is presenting himself as a candidate capable of restoring public trust in governance while continuing southern leadership of the presidency.
A close associate of the former minister described him as the ideal candidate for the current political moment.
“The schools Amaechi built as governor of Rivers State remain among the best examples of public infrastructure development in the country,” the associate said.
He also argued that zoning considerations favour Amaechi’s candidacy.
“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,” he added.
Despite his influence, analysts say it remains uncertain whether Amaechi can generate enough nationwide support within the ADC to challenge Atiku’s entrenched structure.
Hayatu-Deen campaigns on reforms and competence
For Hayatu-Deen, the primary presents an opportunity to position himself as a technocrat focused on economic recovery and institutional reforms.
The former Managing Director of FSB International Bank Plc has built his campaign around economic revival, youth employment, governance reforms, and leadership competence.
Last week, the 72-year-old economist criticised what he described as “recycled politics” and urged party members to embrace issue-based leadership.
Although his reform-driven campaign has attracted praise in some quarters, observers note that he lacks the national political visibility enjoyed by Atiku and Amaechi.
Still, his candidacy received a boost after ADC stakeholders in the South-West endorsed him ahead of the primary.
In a statement signed by Babajide Dosunmu, the ADC South-West Professionals Forum described Hayatu-Deen as the kind of leader Nigeria urgently needs.
“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 said.
The group also praised his emphasis on integrity and accountability, particularly his push for aspirants to commit to the ADC’s Governance Principles and Code of Ethics known as The Orange Book.
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ADC faction deepens crisis, endorses Kachikwu
Meanwhile, the internal crisis within the ADC worsened on Sunday as a rival faction loyal to Dumebi Kachikwu dissolved the party’s National Working Committee and adopted him as its sole presidential candidate.
The faction made the announcement during its convention and presidential primary in Abuja, where delegates reportedly endorsed Kachikwu through a voice vote.
The group also unveiled a new set of party executives, including Kingsley Oggah as Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Abdulkadir Bashir as National Chairman.
Speaking after receiving the party’s flag, Kachikwu said Nigeria needed bold leadership to confront worsening insecurity, unemployment, economic hardship, and political division.
“The mass exodus of our middle class is indicative of those who have chosen not to be part of this hardship anymore,” he said.
Party leaders within the faction also called for unity and urged members to prioritise the survival of the ADC ahead of future elections.
