Rotimi Amaechi
The presidential primary of the African Democratic Congress has been thrown into controversy after two major aspirants rejected the outcome of the exercise, alleging widespread irregularities and voter suppression.
Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, described the process as “concocted,” claiming that a large number of party members across the country were denied the opportunity to vote during the primary election.
In a post shared on his verified X account, Amaechi alleged that nearly 80 percent of eligible party members were disenfranchised, warning that such developments could damage the credibility of the ADC as a serious political alternative ahead of the 2027 general election.
Another presidential aspirant, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, also distanced himself from the process by boycotting the final collation ceremony held in Abuja. The economist cited alleged vote manipulation and irregularities as reasons for his withdrawal, adding that he would consult with supporters before deciding his next political move.
Despite the growing protests, early results from the ongoing collation indicate a massive lead for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
As of Tuesday night, results from 24 states and the Federal Capital Territory showed Atiku winning in 22 states and the FCT, leaving Amaechi with victories in only two states. Atiku reportedly recorded over 177,000 votes in Adamawa and more than 155,000 votes in Kano, while also dominating states including Sokoto, Zamfara, Gombe, Yobe, and Abia. Amaechi secured wins in Akwa Ibom and Ebonyi, while Hayatu-Deen lagged behind in most of the states announced.
The collation exercise continued at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja under the supervision of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission. Senior party leaders, including ADC National Chairman David Mark, were also present during the proceedings.
Responding to the allegations raised by aggrieved aspirants, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, urged dissatisfied contestants to channel their complaints through the party’s internal mechanisms rather than making public accusations.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Abdullahi maintained that the collation process was still ongoing and insisted that no concrete evidence had been presented to support claims of rigging. He further stressed that officials of INEC monitored the primary election across the 36 states and the FCT, describing the process as credible and transparent.
The ADC adopted a nationwide direct primary system to elect its presidential candidate for the 2027 elections. Although the final result has not been officially declared, Atiku’s overwhelming lead has positioned him as the likely flagbearer of the party.
However, the rejection of the process by Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen has raised concerns over internal unity within the party at a time it is seeking to strengthen its position as a major opposition force in Nigeria’s political landscape.
The unfolding crisis once again highlights the persistent challenges surrounding internal democracy in Nigerian political parties. Allegations of voter disenfranchisement and manipulation, if not properly addressed, may weaken public confidence in the ADC’s promise of offering a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress and other established parties.
Political observers now await the party’s next move as tensions continue to build over the disputed primary process.
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