The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress for the 2027 general election, Atiku Abubakar, has appealed to former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen to join hands with him in what he described as the struggle to save Nigeria’s democracy.
Atiku made the appeal while delivering his acceptance speech in Abuja after emerging victorious in the just-concluded ADC presidential primary election.
The former Vice President secured 1,846 votes to defeat Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen, who scored 370 votes and lower returns respectively in the contest.
Addressing party members and supporters after the declaration of results, Atiku called on all aspirants who lost in the primary election across the country to unite with the party leadership and work collectively ahead of the 2027 polls.
According to him, the outcome of the primary should not divide members of the party, insisting that there were no winners or losers in the exercise.
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“I, Atiku Abubakar, therefore, appeal to all those who feel aggrieved to return back to our party,” he said.
“I appeal to all those who contested for various positions in our primaries to close ranks with us.”
The ADC presidential candidate made a direct appeal to Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen, urging them to join what he described as a collective effort to rescue Nigeria’s democratic system and national stability.
“In particular, I invite Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen to join me in this fight to save our democracy and our country,” Atiku stated.
Reiterating his call for unity within the party, the former Vice President said Nigerians were looking up to the political class for direction and leadership amid the country’s economic and security challenges.
“As I said previously that there are no winners and no losers, our people look up for leadership and I’m ready to lead,” he added.
The development comes as political parties begin strategic alignments and consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the ADC positioning itself as a major opposition platform in the race for the presidency.