The opposition party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is set to conduct its nationwide presidential primary election today across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, as party members decide who will fly its flag in the 2027 general election.
Three aspirants are contesting for the party’s presidential ticket: 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 consider competence, experience and national acceptability in selecting a candidate capable of defeating the ruling APC in 2027.
In a statement released by his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, the former vice president argued that Nigeria’s economic and security challenges require experienced leadership rather than what he described as “political experimentation.”
Atiku maintained that the country’s next president must possess executive experience, economic expertise and the capacity to build national consensus, citing his role in economic reforms under former President Olusegun Obasanjo as proof of his readiness.
Meanwhile, stakeholders of the ADC in the South-West have endorsed Hayatu-Deen’s ambition, describing him as a technocratic candidate capable of tackling Nigeria’s economic and governance challenges.
The endorsement, announced by the ADC South-West Professionals Forum through its leader, Babajide Dosunmu, highlighted Hayatu-Deen’s experience in banking, economic management and public policy as key strengths.
The primary comes amid growing competition within the party, with several ADC chapters in Kaduna, Kebbi, Bauchi, Kano, Delta and Niger states already backing Atiku, while Hayatu-Deen continues to attract support from members seeking an alternative leadership option.
The outcome of today’s direct primary is expected to determine the ADC candidate for what is anticipated to be a fiercely contested 2027 presidential election.
