FORMER Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen are set to test their political strength on Monday (today) as the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by interim National Chairman David Mark, holds its presidential primary ahead of the 2027 general election.
News Point Nigeria reports that the three leading aspirants are competing to secure the party’s presidential ticket in what insiders describe as a closely watched and highly competitive race within the opposition ranks.
Their participation in the contest follows the conclusion of a screening exercise conducted by a panel chaired by former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke, which cleared the aspirants for the main race.
The party leadership, under David Mark, had initially explored a consensus arrangement among the major contenders, but after those efforts failed to yield agreement, the ADC opted to proceed with an open contest.
To manage the process, the party set up a Presidential Election Committee chaired by former Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, with Prof. Yisa Gana serving as secretary. Other members include Maj.-Gen. Adamu Jalingo, Dr. Auwalu Anwar, Chief Emenike Ikechi, Dr. Macaulay Iyare, Tajudeen Bakare, Elder Ubolo Itodo Okpanachi, Zainab Buba Galadima, Uzoamaka Onyeama, and Maj.-Gen. Muhammad Inuwa Idris.
In addition, a Presidential Appeals Committee was constituted to handle disputes arising from the exercise. The committee is chaired by Dr. Suleiman Usman (SAN), with Barr. Ken Imasuagbon as secretary and Barr. Dare Okerade as member.
According to the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, electoral officers have already been deployed nationwide ahead of the primary election.
He expressed confidence that the exercise would be conducted in a transparent, free, and fair manner, adding that all three aspirants have pledged to accept the outcome of the primary, regardless of the result.
