The battle for the African Democratic Congress presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election has entered a decisive stage as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen prepare to contest the party’s presidential primary election. The contest is already generating intense political attention as opposition forces continue efforts to reposition themselves against the ruling APC.
The ADC confirmed that the three aspirants were successfully screened and cleared by the party’s Presidential Screening Committee chaired by former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke. The party disclosed that the direct primary election is scheduled to take place nationwide on May 25, with party members expected to vote across the country’s wards.
Atiku Abubakar enters the race as one of Nigeria’s most experienced opposition politicians, having previously served as vice president between 1999 and 2007 and contested several presidential elections. Since defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ADC in 2025, Atiku has positioned himself as a central figure in the opposition coalition seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027. ..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Rotimi Amaechi, a former Rivers State governor and influential political figure, has also emerged as a strong contender within the party. Speaking after his screening, Amaechi dismissed speculation that he joined the race to negotiate for a vice presidential slot, insisting that he purchased the nomination form to contest fully for the presidency. He maintained that Nigeria requires bold leadership capable of tackling insecurity, unemployment, and economic hardship.
Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, a respected economist and former chairman of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group, has attempted to present himself as the reform driven alternative in the race. The presidential aspirant recently challenged both Atiku and Amaechi to publicly commit themselves to the ADC’s code of ethics and governance principles known as “The Orange Book.” According to him, Nigeria needs leaders committed to transparency, accountability, and practical economic reforms.
The ADC leadership revealed that apart from the presidential race, hundreds of governorship, senatorial, and House of Representatives aspirants have also been cleared for the party primaries across the country. Party officials described the process as transparent and democratic, adding that preparations had been completed for a smooth nationwide exercise.
Political observers believe the ADC presidential primary could become one of the most closely watched opposition contests in recent years, especially as the party continues to attract prominent politicians from different camps. Analysts say the outcome of the primary may significantly shape the opposition’s strategy heading into the 2027 presidential election.
