The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is set for a high-stakes contest as three prominent aspirants ,former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen , battle for the party’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The decisive primary is scheduled for Monday, May 25, 2026, and is expected to shape the direction of the opposition party as it seeks to position itself strongly ahead of the national polls.
In the build-up to the primaries, the aspirants have intensified consultations, lobbying party delegates and key stakeholders across the country in a bid to secure support for the party’s nomination.
Atiku Abubakar, a former Vice President and long-time presidential contender, is banking on his extensive political experience and national appeal, with a campaign focus on economic restructuring, governance reforms, and national unity.
Rotimi Amaechi, former governor of Rivers State and ex-Minister of Transportation, is also mounting a strong challenge, leveraging his political influence and network within party structures, while promising reforms aimed at improving infrastructure development, security, and job creation.
Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, an economist and former banker, is presenting himself as a technocratic alternative, campaigning on economic recovery, fiscal discipline, and institutional reforms designed to stabilize and grow the economy.
Party officials describe the race as one of the most competitive internal contests in recent times, noting that the outcome may significantly influence the cohesion and future direction of the ADC as it prepares for the 2027 elections.
