A major political crisis has erupted within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following the party’s presidential primaries, as two leading aspirants, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatudeen, have rejected the outcome, describing the exercise as flawed, undemocratic and unrepresentative.
In a strongly worded reaction, Amaechi dismissed the results of the exercise, insisting that the process failed to reflect the democratic values the ADC claims to promote.
“This is not democracy,” Amaechi declared, alleging widespread voter disenfranchisement and accusing organisers of manipulating the outcome of the primaries.
He argued that a process where a significant portion of party members were unable to participate could not produce a credible result, warning that such practices undermine the party’s credibility and mission as an opposition platform.
According to him, the ADC was established to offer Nigerians a credible alternative to the ruling party, but the conduct of the primaries has raised serious questions about internal democracy and transparency.
Similarly, Hayatudeen also disowned the outcome of the exercise, alleging widespread irregularities and coordinated manipulation during the voting process.
He said he would not participate in the formal announcement of results, insisting that what was witnessed across the country did not represent the will of genuine party members.
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Hayatudeen further claimed that reports from several states indicated instances of vote interference, disenfranchisement and procedural irregularities, which he said compromised the credibility of the entire exercise.
The ADC presidential primaries featured former Vice President Atiku Abubakar alongside Amaechi and Hayatudeen, with voting conducted through a direct primary system involving registered party members nationwide under the supervision of electoral authorities.
As at the time of this report, the party is yet to officially announce final results. However, early indications reportedly showed Atiku Abubakar leading in several northern states, including Sokoto, Yobe and Gombe, where he secured strong margins.
The developments have triggered tension within the party, with concerns that the disagreement could deepen internal divisions at a critical time ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Political observers warn that the dispute may escalate into legal challenges or further defections if the aggrieved aspirants refuse to accept the final outcome, potentially weakening the party’s unity and electoral prospects.