Concerns Arise Over ADC Presidential Primaries
Mohamed Hayatudeen, one of the three candidates from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) competing for the presidential nomination, boycotted the announcement of the party’s primary results on Tuesday. He cited allegations of extensive rigging and fraud throughout the campaign as his reasons for abstaining.
In his statement, Hayatudeen expressed serious concerns about the credibility and transparency of the election process, following reports that surfaced from across Nigeria.
Previously, the ADC conducted its presidential primary election through a direct voting system nationwide on Monday. The results were initially set to be announced in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to a report by Business Day, the ADC postponed the official announcement of the primary results, taking extra security measures at the venue. Originally scheduled for 10 a.m., the event experienced unexpected delays as journalists, election observers, party members, and supporters had to undergo security checks before being allowed into the venue.
The event’s host announced that the security sweep would last until 4 p.m., after which the final collation of results would commence.
Atiku Abubakar’s Early Advantage
In the meantime, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has established an early foothold in the ADC presidential primary, securing victories in five states. Although the national leadership had yet to release the final count from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, early data indicated that Abubakar was maintaining a robust lead.
Reports confirm that he emerged victorious in Gombe, Abia, Ebonyi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states, raising expectations that, should the trend persist, he may clinch the party’s presidential nomination.
This candidate selection process is under close scrutiny from political analysts and officials at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Nonetheless, Hayatudeen has made it clear that he will not attend the announcement of the results, having witnessed and received reports of significant voting irregularities. He stated intentions to seek further guidance on his next steps.
In a highly competitive environment, the battle for the ADC chairmanship is between Abubakar, former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, and Hayatudeen. Due to failed attempts to reach a consensus among these candidates, the ADC opted for a direct primary for its 2027 presidential nomination.
This decision facilitated primaries across 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, although several results remain pending ahead of the official declaration in Abuja. Party leaders have previously assured members and observers of a commitment to a transparent and fair primary election.
However, Hayatudeen’s withdrawal from the announcement process is likely to heighten tensions within the party as the results are gradually revealed.
Rotimi Amaechi Challenges Primary Results
In a similar vein, Rotimi Amaechi has publicly rejected the results of the presidential primary conducted on Monday, also citing allegations of voting fraud and disenfranchisement. In a signed statement released on Tuesday night, he characterized the electoral process as fundamentally flawed and inconsistent with the democratic values that the ADC pledges to uphold.
Amaechi asserted, “I unequivocally reject the fabricated results being announced,” emphasizing that he would only accept the outcome of a transparent and fair electoral process—standards he claims were not met.
He further alleged that a majority of party members were effectively sidelined from participating in the primary, questioning how a significant portion of the membership could be disenfranchised without consequence. He warned that opposition parties like the ADC, which criticize the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for electoral misconduct, must not fall into the same pitfalls.
Amaechi stressed, “Political parties must not engage in actions that disenfranchise their members if they wish to maintain credibility in the electoral process.” His pointed remarks underscore a growing discontent within the ADC in light of the electoral challenges the party faces.
Previous Withdrawals and Tensions Ahead of 2023
In a related context, Hayatudeen previously withdrew from the presidential race ahead of the 2023 elections in a letter dated May 27. He expressed his decision stemmed from what he described as the excessive monetization of the contest.
As tensions rise and accusations swirl, the ADC finds itself at a crossroads, navigating internal dissent while attempting to present a united front as it gears up for the 2027 presidential race. The outcome of this election cycle could have lasting implications for the party’s reputation and future electoral prospects.
