The African Democratic Congress (ADC) begins voting today to choose its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, setting the stage for a closely watched contest between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.
Party members across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory are expected to participate in the direct primary election after efforts to produce a consensus candidate reportedly failed.
ADC leaders had initially considered an affirmation process but eventually settled for a direct primary, insisting the method complies fully with the Electoral Act 2026.
The outcome is expected to shape the opposition party’s strategy ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with each aspirant presenting a different vision for Nigeria’s future.
Atiku, a former vice president and one of Nigeria’s best-known opposition politicians, is widely viewed by party insiders as the candidate to beat.
Since leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he has spearheaded efforts to unite opposition forces under the ADC banner, working alongside former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who now serve as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary respectively.
Supporters point to his extensive political network, financial resources and nationwide name recognition as key advantages.
A former PDP chieftain who recently joined the ADC told reporters that Atiku’s political reach gives him a significant edge over his rivals.
“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.”
An ADC member of the House of Representatives also expressed confidence in Atiku’s chances.
“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.”
However, some party members argue that Nigeria’s political landscape requires generational renewal, suggesting the veteran politician should transition into a statesman role after more than three decades in active politics.
Amaechi is emerging as Atiku’s strongest challenger, leveraging his record as former governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
His supporters highlight major railway projects completed during his tenure and his reputation as an experienced administrator.
A close associate described Amaechi as the candidate best equipped to provide a fresh direction for the country.
“Amaechi represents the kind of leadership Nigerians need for a fresh start.”
The associate cited the former governor’s investments in education and infrastructure as evidence of his leadership credentials.
“The schools Amaechi built as governor of Rivers State remain among the best examples of public infrastructure development in the country. The railway corridors operational in parts of the country today are part of his enduring legacy.”
Amaechi’s camp is also making a regional argument, insisting that power should remain in southern Nigeria if the principle of rotational leadership is to be respected.
Political observers, however, note that the former minister faces the challenge of matching Atiku’s established nationwide political machinery within the ADC.
Hayatu-Deen, a former chief executive of FSB International Bank Plc, the primary offers an opportunity to position himself as a technocratic alternative focused on economic recovery and institutional reforms.
The economist has centred his campaign on tackling unemployment, reviving economic growth and strengthening governance structures.
Hayatu-Deen recently urged party members to reject what he described as “recycled politics,” arguing that Nigeria requires leadership driven by competence and accountability.
His candidacy received a boost when ADC stakeholders in the South-West endorsed him ahead of the primary.
In a statement, leader of the ADC South-West Professionals Forum, Babajide Dosunmu, said the region believed Hayatu-Deen possessed the expertise needed to address Nigeria’s mounting challenges.
“After extensive consultations and engagements, we are convinced that Mohammed Hayatu-Deen embodies the kind of leadership Nigeria urgently requires at this critical moment.” Dosunmu added:
“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.”
While analysts acknowledge his policy-focused campaign, they say he faces a tougher task in building national political visibility compared with Atiku and Amaechi.
The primary comes amid fresh turmoil within the ADC after a faction loyal to Dumebi Kachikwu dissolved the party’s National Working Committee and declared him its sole presidential candidate during a separate convention in Abuja.
Delegates at the gathering adopted Kachikwu through a voice vote and announced a new set of national officers.
Accepting the party’s flag, Kachikwu said Nigeria faced severe economic and security challenges requiring decisive leadership.
“The mass exodus of our middle class is indicative of those who have chosen not to be part of this hardship anymore,” he said.
He argued that the ADC must offer Nigerians a credible political alternative capable of restoring confidence and national unity.
Newly elected factional National Chairman Abdulkadir Bashir urged members to respect the party constitution and avoid actions capable of worsening internal divisions.
“No individual is bigger than the party,” Bashir said, appealing for reconciliation among aggrieved members.
With voting now underway, party members face a choice between Atiku’s political experience, Amaechi’s governance credentials and Hayatu-Deen’s reform-focused agenda, while unresolved internal disputes continue to cast a shadow over the ADC’s preparations for the 2027 election.
