2027 race: ADC picks Tinubu’s challenger today

The African Democratic Congress will initiate the process of selecting its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election today, with party members from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory anticipated to take part in this exercise.

Unless there are any last-minute alterations, the party has chosen the direct primary method after all three aspirants — former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen — reportedly refused to withdraw in favor of a consensus candidate.

While the ADC initially contemplated implementing an affirmation process akin to that utilized by the Nigeria Democratic Congress, party leaders assert that the direct primary option is fully compliant with the stipulations of the Electoral Act 2026.

As members proceed to the polls today, focus has shifted to the political influence, nationwide appeal, and perceived vulnerabilities of the three candidates competing for the party’s exclusive presidential nomination.

Atiku’s notable strengths

As a former Vice President and one of Nigeria’s most significant opposition figures, Atiku Abubakar enters the contest with decades of political experience and a vast national network developed over years of public service.

Since departing from the Peoples Democratic Party in November 2025, Atiku has taken a prominent role in efforts to consolidate opposition forces under the ADC banner in preparation for the 2027 elections.

Collaborating with former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola — who currently serve as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary respectively — Atiku has advocated for the establishment of a broad coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Key political figures reportedly associated with his faction include former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, ex-Minister of Sports Bolaji Abdullahi, and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal.

Political analysts suggest that Atiku's financial resources, recognition, and extensive political network across the nation may provide him with a considerable advantage in the upcoming contest.

A former chieftain of the PDP, who has recently switched allegiance to the ADC, stated that Atiku continues to be the leading candidate in this race.

"I am confident that the party will eventually choose a candidate who can garner votes nationwide. Although Atiku has faced defeat in several presidential elections previously, his political profile, when compared to those of the other candidates, clearly indicates that he possesses a significant edge.

"While both Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen are well-known figures in the realm of national politics, Atiku remains a powerful contender that will be challenging for either of them to surpass," he remarked, preferring to remain anonymous due to his close ties with the candidates.

A member of the House of Representatives and an ADC leader also characterized the competition as one that seems to favor the former Vice President.

"All three candidates have made their contributions to Nigerian politics, whether we choose to acknowledge it or not. However, I do not foresee Atiku being defeated by either of them.

"Remember that during the PDP presidential primaries held in Port Harcourt, Atiku encountered significant opposition yet still triumphed, even with the support of then-Governor Nyesom Wike for Aminu Tambuwal. In my opinion, Atiku has a better likelihood of success than the other two candidates," he stated.

Despite his political prominence and appeal on a national level, Atiku may encounter opposition from party members who advocate for a younger generation to take the lead. Critics contend that having been active in politics since 1992, the Waziri Adamawa should now assume the role of an elder statesman.

Amaechi as a strong contender

Former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, is also viewed as a formidable candidate in the current exercise.

Amaechi, who held the position of Minister of Transportation during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, gained significant national recognition for the railway initiatives implemented throughout his term. As a founding member of the All Progressives Congress, he was perceived in the latter years of the Buhari administration as one of the prominent figures within the ruling party.

Currently contesting under the ADC platform, Amaechi is positioning himself as a credible alternative capable of reinstating public trust in governance.

A close associate of the former minister characterized him as the candidate most qualified to lead the nation at this juncture.

"I do not have his authorization to speak on his behalf, but Amaechi embodies the type of leadership Nigerians require for a new beginning," the associate remarked.

He encouraged delegates to evaluate the track records of the candidates before making their voting decisions.

"The educational institutions Amaechi established while serving as governor of Rivers State remain among the finest examples of public infrastructure development in the nation. Regardless of what critics may assert, he was a pivotal factor in the Buhari administration achieving significant milestones. The railway corridors currently operational in various regions of the country are part of his lasting legacy," he continued.

The associate also advocated for maintaining the presidency in the South, contending that zoning considerations favor Amaechi’s candidacy.

"Why are we here?" he inquired. "The past three years have left numerous Nigerians doubting whether the correct decisions were made. If the presidency has been held in the South for four years and we agree that each region should complete eight years, then the party must present its strongest candidate. The South should retain the presidency, and Amaechi embodies that choice."

While Amaechi has considerable support in certain regions of the country, political analysts express uncertainty regarding his ability to generate sufficient nationwide momentum within the ADC to challenge Atiku’s established political framework.

The previous Chief Executive Officer of FSB International Bank Plc has focused his campaign on revitalizing the economy, creating job opportunities for the youth, and implementing institutional reforms — matters he deems essential for tackling the country's escalating hardship and insecurity.

Last week, Hayatu-Deen criticized his opponents, urging party members to dismiss what he referred to as "recycled politics."

The 72-year-old economist has consistently maintained that Nigeria requires leadership grounded in competence, discipline, and policies that prioritize the people.

Although his policy-oriented approach has received praise in certain circles, observers point out that he continues to encounter difficulties regarding national political visibility when compared to Atiku and Amaechi.

In a significant boost to his aspirations, ADC stakeholders in the South-West endorsed his candidacy on Sunday, just ahead of today’s primary.

The endorsement was communicated in a statement signed by Babajide Dosunmu, leader of the ADC South-West Professionals Forum, following discussions with party stakeholders, youth organizations, professionals, and grassroots mobilizers throughout the region.

Dosunmu stated that Hayatu-Deen possesses the necessary leadership qualities to reposition the country in light of increasing economic and governance challenges.

"The South-West has consistently advocated for progressive politics, effective governance, intellectual rigor, and economic transformation. After thorough consultations and discussions, we are convinced that Mohammed Hayatu-Deen represents the type of leadership Nigeria urgently needs at this pivotal time," the statement expressed.

He further noted that Hayatu-Deen’s experience in banking, economic management, public policy, and institutional leadership equips him well to tackle the nation’s economic and security issues.

The forum called upon delegates to endorse Hayatu-Deen, characterizing today’s primary as a pivotal moment for both the ADC and the political landscape of Nigeria.

"The choice facing delegates today transcends individual personalities. It pertains to the future of our party and the future of Nigeria. We are convinced that Mohammed Hayatu-Deen offers the ADC its best opportunity to instill confidence among Nigerians and to present a viable national alternative that is capable of winning and governing effectively," the statement further elaborated.

Factional crisis

In the meantime, the internal conflict within the ADC escalated on Sunday as the faction aligned with Dumebi Kachikwu disbanded the party’s National Working Committee and proclaimed him as its exclusive presidential candidate.

This decision was made during the faction’s national convention and presidential primary convened in Abuja, where delegates endorsed Kachikwu via a voice vote.

The faction also declared the dissolution of the current NWC and promptly introduced a new set of national officers.

The newly appointed officials include Kingsley Oggah as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Abdulkadir Bashir