The African Democratic Congress cleared Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen to contest the party's 2027 presidential primaries [1].
This development signals a high-profile shift in Nigeria's political landscape as veteran leaders align under the ADC banner to challenge for the presidency. The inclusion of former high-ranking officials suggests an effort by the party to build a competitive coalition ahead of the next general election.
The screening process took place this past Wednesday in Abuja [1]. Officials said that three presidential aspirants were cleared to proceed to the next stage of the nomination process [1].
To determine the final nominee, the party will conduct direct primaries across the country. These elections are scheduled to be held in 8,809 wards [2]. This decentralized approach aims to engage party members at the grassroots level across all regions of Nigeria.
Beyond the presidential race, the ADC is preparing a broader slate of candidates for the 2027 cycle. The party cleared a total of 702 aspirants for various elective positions [3]. This surge in candidates indicates an expansion of the party's organizational reach and its ambition to secure multiple seats in the legislature and other government offices.
The three presidential contenders—Abubakar, Amaechi, and Hayatu-Deen—now face a primary process that relies on the direct vote of party members. The outcome will determine who leads the ADC ticket in the general election.
“The African Democratic Congress cleared Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen to contest the party's 2027 presidential primaries.”
The entry of established political figures like Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi into the ADC suggests a realignment of power within Nigeria's opposition. By utilizing a direct primary system across thousands of wards, the ADC is attempting to establish a democratic mandate for its candidate, potentially positioning itself as a more inclusive alternative to the dominant political parties.
