2027: Crisis hits ADC as Amaechi, Hayatu-Deen reject presidential primary results over alleged rigging
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been hit by a major internal crisis as two leading presidential aspirants, former minister of transportation Rotimi Amaechi and corporate titan Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, rejected the collation and outcome of the party’s primary election ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The duo separately alleged widespread irregularities, voter disenfranchisement, and result fabrication, casting a heavy shadow over an exercise the party leadership had previously hailed as transparent and democratic.
Hayatu-deen boycotts result center
In a strongly-worded statement released on Tuesday, Hayatu-Deen announced his decision to boycott the official announcement of the results in Abuja, citing firsthand observations and nationwide reports of electoral malpractice.
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“I will not be attending the announcement of the ADC Presidential Election Results today,” Hayatu-Deen stated. “I am concerned by reports from across the country of widespread vote rigging, some of which I myself observed, and will therefore be taking advice on my next steps.”
His sudden boycott introduces fresh tension into the opposition party’s ranks just as final numbers are being aggregated nationwide.
Amaechi slams ‘concocted’ outcomes, alleges 80% disenfranchisement
Similarly, the former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, took to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle to unequivocally reject what he termed “concocted results.”
Amaechi raised the alarm over massive internal flaws, claiming that nearly 80 percent of registered ADC party members were deliberately prevented from casting their ballots. He questioned how a party that routinely criticises the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for electoral malpractice could replicate the same behavior.
“I will not accept results from a process that does not reflect the values that the ADC had pledged to uphold, to rescue Nigerians from the impunity and gross mismanagement that our country is currently facing,” Amaechi stated.
He added that the alleged vote-buying and result manipulation witnessed during the exercise were entirely unacceptable and fell short of basic democratic standards.
Atiku maintains early lead amidst venue setup
Despite the unfolding drama and protests from his rivals, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has emerged as the clear frontrunner in the race. Trends indicate that Atiku has already secured victories in at least five states.
Meanwhile, logistics at the main collation center in Abuja remain unaffected by the boycott. Preparations have been finalized, and the venue is fully set for the formal declaration of the winner.
The ADC leadership has yet to issue an official response to the heavy allegations leveled by Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen, but political analysts predict that the fallout could trigger deep factions within the party as the 2027 political calendar heats up.
