Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, on Sunday met privately with fellow party member Muhammad Hayatu-Deen at his Lagos residence, in a move widely interpreted as part of efforts to mend divisions within the party after its presidential primary.
The meeting was reported by Channels Television and comes shortly after Atiku secured the ADC presidential ticket and was formally presented with the party’s flag following his victory at the primary election.
The primary had sparked criticism from some contestants who expressed dissatisfaction with how the exercise was conducted.
Among those who challenged the outcome were former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and Hayatu-Deen, both of whom alleged irregularities in the voting process.
Hayatu-Deen had also indicated that he would not be present when the results were announced.
In the aftermath of his emergence as the party’s candidate, Atiku called on disappointed aspirants and party supporters to move past the contest and unite in preparation for the general election.
“I therefore appeal to all those who feel aggrieved to come back to our party and close ranks with the rest of us,” Atiku said.
The former vice president further reached out to his former rivals, urging them to work with him in addressing the nation’s challenges.
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“In particular, I invite Chief Rotimi Amaechi and Alhaji Muhammad Hayatu-Deen to join me in this fight to save our democracy and our country,” he said.
Atiku insisted that the primary election should not create lasting divisions within the ADC, stressing the need for unity after the contest.
“As I said previously, there are no winners and no losers. Our people look up to us for leadership, and I am ready to lead,” he added.
He also pledged to collaborate with fellow aspirants and party stakeholders to strengthen the party ahead of future elections.
“I shall work with you all to continue to build our party. I will campaign with you and if Nigeria’s leaders demand it, govern with you to build a country that works for all of us.”
The Lagos meeting with Hayatu-Deen follows Atiku’s recent visit to Amaechi at his Abuja residence, a development that political observers have similarly viewed as part of a broader reconciliation effort aimed at fostering unity within the party and consolidating support ahead of the next general election.