The African Democratic Congress is set to begin the process of selecting its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election today, with members across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory expected to participate in the exercise.
The party is expected to adopt the direct primary method after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen reportedly refused calls to step down for a consensus candidate.
Although the ADC had considered using an affirmation process, party leaders said the direct primary complies with the Electoral Act 2026. Atiku is regarded by many party members as the frontrunner due to his political experience, nationwide structure, and financial strength.
Since leaving the Peoples Democratic Party in November 2025, he has worked with former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola to build a coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. Supporters of Amaechi, however, argue that his achievements as former governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation make him a strong contender.
They also insist that zoning considerations favour the South retaining the presidency. Hayatu-Deen, on his part, has campaigned on economic reforms, youth employment, and institutional development.
The former FSB International Bank Plc chief executive has urged party members to reject what he described as “recycled politics.” Meanwhile, the crisis within the ADC worsened on Sunday as a faction loyal to Dumebi Kachikwu dissolved the party’s National Working Committee and declared him its sole presidential candidate during a convention held in Abuja.
The faction also announced new national officers, including Kingsley Oggah as Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Abdulkadir Bashir as National Chairman.
Speaking after receiving the party’s flag, Kachikwu said Nigeria needed strong leadership to tackle insecurity, unemployment, and economic hardship, adding that the ADC must present itself as a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 elections.
