Three Horse Race As ADC Picks Presidential Candidate Today

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) will today begin the process of selecting its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, with delegates across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory expected to participate in the exercise.

Barring any last-minute changes, the party has settled for the direct primary option after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen reportedly rejected calls to step down for a consensus candidate.

Although the party initially considered adopting an affirmation process similar to that used by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), party leaders said the direct primary remains fully consistent with the Electoral Act 2026.

Atiku is widely regarded as one of the leading contenders in the contest due to his political experience, national structure and longstanding presence in opposition politics.

Since leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in November 2025, the former Vice President has played a central role in coalition talks aimed at positioning the ADC as a major opposition force ahead of 2027.

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

A former PDP chieftain who recently joined the ADC described Atiku as the strongest candidate in the race.

“Atiku may have lost several presidential contests in the past, but when you compare his political profile with those of the other aspirants, it is clear he holds a significant advantage,” the source told The PUNCH.

Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi is also considered a formidable contender.

Amaechi, a former Transportation Minister under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, is campaigning on his record in infrastructure development, particularly railway expansion projects executed during his tenure.

Supporters of the former minister argue that zoning considerations favour the South retaining the presidency after President Bola Tinubu’s first term.

A close associate of Amaechi described him as the candidate best suited to provide fresh leadership.

“The schools Amaechi built as governor of Rivers State remain among the best examples of public infrastructure development in the country,” the associate said.

“If the presidency has remained in the South for four years and we agree that each region should complete eight years, then the party must put forward its strongest candidate.”

For Hayatu-Deen, the primary presents an opportunity to project himself as a technocrat capable of addressing Nigeria’s economic and governance challenges.

The former Chief Executive Officer of FSB International Bank Plc has focused his campaign on economic reforms, youth employment and institutional restructuring.

The economist recently criticised what he described as “recycled politics” and argued that Nigeria requires leadership based on competence and discipline.

Although political observers believe he lacks the national structure of Atiku and Amaechi, his candidacy recently received a boost after the ADC South-West Professionals Forum endorsed him ahead of the primary.

In a statement signed by Babajide Dosunmu, leader of the forum, the group described Hayatu-Deen as the kind of leader Nigeria urgently requires.

“At a time when millions of Nigerians are struggling to survive, businesses are collapsing, young people are losing hope, and insecurity continues to threaten national stability, Nigeria needs a leader with proven competence, discipline, and a deep understanding of how economies function,” the statement read.

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