The African Democratic Congress (ADC) will today begin the process of selecting 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.
Unless there are any unexpected alterations, the party has chosen the direct primary approach since all three candidates — former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen — allegedly refused to withdraw in favor of a consensus nominee.
While the ADC first thought about implementing an affirmation process akin to that of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, party leaders assert that the direct primary choice completely corresponds with the stipulations of the Electoral Act 2026.
As voters go to the polls today, the focus has shifted to the political influence, national attractiveness, and perceived shortcomings of the three candidates competing for the party’s exclusive presidential nomination.
A former Vice President and a leading opposition figure in Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar joins the contest with years of political experience and a wide-reaching national network developed through years of public service.
After departing from the Peoples Democratic Party in November 2025, Atiku has taken a prominent role in striving to unify opposition groups under the ADC banner in preparation for the 2027 elections.
Collaborating with ex-Senate President David Mark and ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola—currently the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively—Atiku has advocated for the establishment of a wide coalition designed to confront President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Notable political figures supposedly associated with his faction include former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, ex-Governor of Kaduna State Nasir El-Rufai, former Minister of Sports Bolaji Abdullahi, and Babachir Lawal, who was the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Political analysts argue that Atiku’s financial resources, name visibility, and extensive political network may provide him a substantial advantage in the race.
A former PDP leader who recently switched to the ADC stated that Atiku is still the leading candidate in the race.
“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.
“Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen are both familiar faces in national politics, but Atiku remains a formidable force that will be difficult for either of them to overcome,” he said, requesting anonymity due to his closeness to the aspirants.
Amaechi accuses Tinubu of creating hunger to bribe voters with rice
2027: Plateau gov wins APC governorship primaries
A member of the House of Representatives and ADC chieftain also described the race as one that appears to favor Atiku.
“All three aspirants have paid their dues in Nigerian politics, whether we acknowledge it or not. But I do not see Atiku losing to either of them.
“Recall that during the PDP presidential primaries in Port Harcourt, Atiku faced a major challenge yet still emerged victorious, despite then-Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike backing Aminu Tambuwal. In my view, Atiku stands a better chance than the other two contenders,” he said.
Even with his political prominence and widespread popularity, Atiku might encounter pushback from party members who feel that a younger generation should step into the spotlight. Critics contend that after being engaged in politics since 1992, the Waziri Adamawa ought to adopt the position of an elder statesman.
Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi is considered a significant competitor in today’s event.
Amaechi, who held the position of Minister of Transportation under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, received national acclaim for the railway initiatives carried out during his time in office. As a founding member of the All Progressives Congress, he was seen as one of the significant figures in the ruling party during the latter years of the Buhari administration.
Currently competing with the ADC platform, Amaechi is positioning himself as a trustworthy option able to regain public trust in governance.
A close ally of the ex-minister characterized him as the individual most qualified to guide the nation right now.
“I do not have his permission to speak on his behalf, but Amaechi represents the kind of leadership Nigerians need for a fresh start,” the associate said.
He charged delegates to assess the track records of the aspirants before casting their votes.
“The schools Amaechi built as governor of Rivers State remain among the best examples of public infrastructure development in the country. Whatever critics may say, he was one of the key reasons the Buhari administration recorded notable achievements. The railway corridors operational in parts of the country today are part of his enduring legacy,” he added.
He also made a case for retaining the presidency in the South, arguing that zoning considerations favor Amaechi’s candidacy.
“Why are we here?” he asked. “The past three years have left many Nigerians questioning whether the right choices were made. 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.”
While Amaechi has substantial backing in certain regions, political experts indicate that it is uncertain if he can generate sufficient national traction within the ADC to challenge Atiku’s established political framework.
For Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, the competition provides a chance to showcase himself as a technocrat equipped to address Nigeria’s economic and governance issues.
The ex-CEO of FSB International Bank Plc has focused his campaign on economic recovery, job creation for youth, and institutional changes—matters he claims are vital for tackling the nation’s growing hardship and insecurity.
Hayatu-Deen last week slammed his opponents, encouraging party members to dismiss what he referred to as “recycled politics.”
The 72-year-old economist has consistently contended that Nigeria requires leadership based on skill, discipline, and people-centered policies.
Although his policy-centric strategy has received praise in certain areas, analysts point out that he continues to encounter difficulties in achieving national political visibility in comparison to Atiku and Amaechi.
In a significant lift to his goal, ADC supporters in the South-West on Sunday approved his candidacy before today’s primary.
The support was communicated in a statement endorsed by Babajide Dosunmu, head of the ADC South-West Professionals Forum, after discussions with party members, youth organizations, professionals, and grassroots organizers throughout the region.
Dosunmu stated that Hayatu-Deen has the leadership qualities necessary to realign the nation in light of growing economic and governance issues.
“The South-West has always stood for progressive politics, competent governance, intellectual depth, and economic transformation. After extensive consultations and engagements, we are convinced that Mohammed Hayatu-Deen embodies the kind of leadership Nigeria urgently requires at this critical moment,” the statement read.
He also stated that Hayatu-Deen’s background in banking, economic management, public policy, and institutional leadership places him in a strong position to confront the nation’s economic and security challenges.
“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 added.
The group praised his behavior during the primary process, especially his request for candidates to adhere to the ADC’s Governance Principles and Code of Ethics, referred to as The Orange Book.
“In a political culture where many seek power without accountability, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen has distinguished himself through integrity, issue-based engagement, and a clear commitment to values-driven leadership. Character matters. Integrity matters. Leadership matters,” Dosunmu stated.
The forum encouraged delegates to back Hayatu-Deen, calling today’s primary a pivotal moment for the ADC and Nigeria’s political landscape.
“The decision before delegates today goes beyond personalities. It concerns the future of our party and the future of Nigeria. We believe Mohammed Hayatu-Deen gives the ADC its strongest chance to inspire confidence among Nigerians and present a credible national alternative capable of winning and governing effectively,” the statement added.
