Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has announced plans to personally visit Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, following their rejection of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary results. The move comes as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Primary Controversy
Both Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen raised objections during the collation of results, alleging widespread irregularities. Amaechi took to social media to report voter disenfranchisement in many parts of the country, while Hayatu-Deen boycotted the official announcement, citing vote rigging.
In his statement, Hayatu-Deen expressed deep concerns over the integrity of the entire process. The ADC, however, declared Atiku the winner with 1,846,370 votes, defeating Amaechi (504,117 votes) and Hayatu-Deen (177,120 votes).
Atiku's Response
In his acceptance speech, Atiku commended the party for demonstrating democratic principles. When asked about the objections, he stated: "I will personally visit my competitors, and I will appeal to them to come on board."
On what he would bring differently from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku emphasized experience and credibility, noting that most party leaders have previously served in government.
Call for Unity
In a post on X, Atiku praised Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen as "driven by patriotism" and described the primary process as healthy. He appealed to all aggrieved members to close ranks and join the fight to save democracy and the country.
"I invite Chief Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and Alhaji Mohammed Hayatu-Deen to join me in this fight. There are no winners and no losers. Our people look up to us for leadership," Atiku wrote.
Amaechi's Support Group Reacts
Earlier, the Movement for Amaechi's Presidency rejected the primary outcome, calling it a "sham" and alleging secret selection without adherence to the ADC constitution or Electoral Act. The group claimed elections were not held in most wards across Imo state.
Atiku remains confident that unity will prevail as the party moves toward the 2027 elections.
