The African Democratic Congress will today commence the selection for its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, with party members across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory expected to participate in the exercise.
The party has chosen the direct primary method, barring any last-minute changes, after all three candidates — former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi — reportedly rejected calls to step down for a consensus candidate.
Meanwhile, party leaders insist that the direct primary option fully complies with the Electoral Act 2026, even though the ADC had originally considered adopting an affirmation process similar to that of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
Atiku’s key strengths
Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president and one of Nigeria’s most prominent opposition figures, enters the contest with decades of political experience and a wide national network built through years of public service.
Meanwhile, Atiku has led efforts to unite opposition factions under the ADC platform ahead of the 2027 elections, following his exit from the Peoples Democratic Party in November 2025.
In addition, former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Minister of Sports Bolaji Abdullahi, and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal are reportedly among key political figures backing him.
Political analysts have also noted Atiku’s financial muscle, name recognition, and nationwide political structure could give him a significant edge in the contest.
Amaechi strong contender
Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi is also regarded as a strong contender in today’s exercise.
He served previously as Rivers State governor and subsequently as minister of transport under former President Muhammadu Buhari. He is also a founding member of the All Progressive Congress.
Amaechi is now running on the ADC platform, portraying himself as a reliable alternative who can rebuild public trust in government.
Hayatu-Deen’s reform agenda
On another hand is Mohammed Hayatu-Deen who has present himself as a technocrat with the expertise to tackle Nigeria’s economic and governance challenges.
Just last week, Hayatu-Deen criticised his rivals, urging party members to reject what he described as “recycled politics.”
According to the 72-year-old economist, Nigeria needs leadership anchored on competence, discipline, and people-focused policies.
However, analysts note that, although his policy-driven approach has earned praise, he still lacks the level of national political exposure that Atiku and Amaechi have.
Factional crisis
Meanwhile, the ADC internal crisis further deepened on Sunday as another faction dissolved the David Mark-led leadership and endorsed Dumebi Kachikwu as its sole presidential candidate.
Delegates adopted Kachikwu by voice vote at the faction’s national convention and presidential primary in Abuja.
Additionally, the group declared the dissolution of the current NWC and promptly introduced a new group of national officials.
BACKSTORY…
Recall that on May 20, the party screened former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former FSB International Bank Managing Director Mohammed Hayatu-Deen ahead of its presidential primary for the 2027 general election.
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