LunagisthubADC Presidential Primary: Atiku, Amaechi, Hayatu-Deen Face Off as Party Calls for Unity
The African Democratic Congress is heading into a high-stakes presidential primary on Monday, May 26, 2026, with former VP Atiku Abubakar, ex-Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen all cleared to contest the party’s ticket.
But internal cracks are showing. As the primary approaches, ADC leadership is urging discipline and unity among aspirants, delegates, and members.
National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi released a statement calling on all participants to act “peacefully, responsibly and with dignity” during the exercise.
The appeal comes after a rival ADC faction led by 2023 presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu announced it had dissolved the David Mark-led National Working Committee. Kachikwu’s camp named him the sole presidential candidate, accusing Mark’s leadership of hijacking the party and abandoning internal democracy.
Abdullahi pushed back, framing the primaries as a “defining democratic moment” for Nigerians seeking a credible alternative.
“The ADC remains proud to stand today as the only truly democratic party in Nigeria because it is the only political party whose choice of presidential candidate is determined through open primaries,” he said.
PREMIUM TIMES confirmed that three contenders made the final list:
1.Atiku Abubakar– Former Vice President and serial presidential contender
2.Rotimi Amaechi– Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Rivers State Governor
3. Mohammed Hayatu-Deen– Economist and former FSB International Bank chairman
The winner will lead ADC into the 2027 general elections, positioning the party as a third force.
Abdullahi stressed that how members behave before, during, and after the primary will show Nigerians the kind of leadership ADC represents.
“This election must reflect the values we claim to represent as a party committed to transparency, internal democracy, national unity and the rule of law,” he stated.
He admitted disagreements are normal in democracy but said the goal is bigger: “At the end of this exercise, there will be no winners or losers within the ADC family. The ultimate objective is to emerge stronger, more united and fully prepared to offer Nigerians the competent and credible leadership they deserve.”
The party says it has put measures in place to ensure a free, fair, Monday’s ADC primary isn’t just about picking a candidate. It’s a test of whether the party can hold together under pressure and live up to its claim of internal democracy. With Atiku, Amaechi, and Hayatu-Deen in the race, the outcome will reshape Nigeria’s opposition landscape.
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