Amaechi, Hayatu-Deen Reject ADC Primary Results as Atiku Takes Early Lead

Fresh controversy has erupted within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after two presidential aspirants, Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, rejected the outcome of the party’s presidential primaries, alleging widespread irregularities and voter disenfranchisement.

The protest came as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar maintained a commanding lead in results announced from several states, with margins that appeared difficult for other contenders to overturn.

Amaechi, a former Minister of Transportation, openly rejected the results, insisting the process failed to meet the standards of fairness and transparency promised by the party.

In a statement posted on his X account, the former Rivers State governor alleged that a large percentage of party members were denied the opportunity to vote during the exercise.

“Following reports of widespread voter disenfranchisement in most parts of the country during the African Democratic Congress presidential primaries, I unequivocally reject the concocted results being announced,” he stated.

Amaechi said he had earlier made it clear that he would only accept the outcome if the process was credible.

“I will not accept results from a process that does not reflect the values that the ADC had pledged to uphold,” he said.

According to him, the party was created to offer Nigerians an alternative platform capable of promoting fairness, accountability and democratic values.

“There’s no way that about eighty per cent of members of the party were not allowed to vote, and you expect me to accept such results. Then what makes us different from the others?” he asked.

The former minister further accused the party of engaging in the same electoral malpractices it often criticises in other political parties, including alleged vote buying and manipulation of results.

“A party that criticises the ruling APC and INEC for vote buying, rigging and writing of results cannot be engaged in the same practices,” he added.

Hayatu-Deen also distanced himself from the process, announcing that he would boycott the official declaration of the primary results over allegations of widespread vote manipulation.

In a separate post on X, he said reports of electoral malpractice from different parts of the country had raised serious concerns about the credibility of the exercise.

“I will not be attending the announcement of the ADC presidential election results today,” he said.

“I am concerned by reports from across the country of widespread vote rigging, some of which I personally observed, and will therefore be taking advice on my next steps.”

Despite the protests, results announced from several states indicated that Atiku had established a strong lead in the contest.

Meanwhile, the African Action Congress (AAC) elected its National Chairman, Omoyele Sowore, as the party’s consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

Sowore emerged at the party’s presidential primary held at the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development in Abuja after delegates adopted him through a voice vote.

Addressing party supporters after his emergence, Sowore said Nigerians were increasingly frustrated by economic hardship, insecurity and poor governance.

He maintained that the AAC would present a credible political alternative ahead of the next general election.

The former presidential candidate also ruled out any coalition arrangement with other political parties, insisting that the AAC would remain focused on building an independent grassroots-driven movement.

According to him, the party would prioritise issues such as unemployment, corruption, public accountability and insecurity.

Sowore urged party supporters to remain committed to the struggle for social justice and democratic reforms as preparations intensify for the 2027 elections.