Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Party (ADC), has promised to work with aggrieved members of the party after emerging as the party’s flagbearer in the 2027 general election.
Atiku made the vow when he visited the former Rivers State governor at his Abuja residence on Thursday.
Atiku visited Amaechi accompanied by former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, and other party leaders.
The ADC presidential candidate’s visit came amid ongoing reactions to the just-concluded ADC presidential primary election, where Atiku emerged as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
The ADC announced the result on Wednesday night at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, with Atiku defeating Amaechi and former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen in the contest.
According to the party’s official results, Atiku received 1,846,370 votes, Amaechi 504,117 votes, and Hayatu-Deen 177,120 votes.
Following the declaration of Atiku’s victory, the party leadership, led by former Senate President David Mark, presented him with the ADC flag.
The ADC used the direct primary process after the three aspirants ignored demands for a consensus agreement ahead of the exercise.
Following the release of the results, Atiku urged dissatisfied members and aspirants to rally behind the party.
“I therefore appeal to all those who feel aggrieved to come back to our party and close ranks with the rest of us,” he said.
The ADC chieftain also directly appealed to Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen to work with him ahead of the general election.
“In particular, I invite Chief Rotimi Amaechi and Alhaji Muhammad Hayatu-Deen to join me in this fight to save our democracy and our country,” Atiku stated.
He emphasized that the outcome of the primary should not divide the party.
“As I said previously, there are no winners and no losers. Our people look up to us for leadership, and I am ready to lead,” he added.
He further pledged to work with all stakeholders to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
“I shall work with you all to continue to build our party. I will campaign with you and, if Nigeria’s leaders demand it, govern with you to build a country that works for all of us,” he said.
However, Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen allegedly disputed the primary results, citing vote irregularities. Hayatu-Deen also stated that he will not be attending the results announcement.
As of the time of reporting this story, no details of Atiku and Amaechi’s closed-door discussion on Thursday had been made public.
