- Atiku enters the contest with extensive political experience and a nationwide structure built over decades in public service
- Amaechi is also regarded as a strong contender
- Hayatu Deen has positioned himself as a reform minded technocrat focused on economic recovery
The African Democratic Congress will today begin the process of selecting its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election as members across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory prepare to participate in the exercise.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the party is expected to adopt the direct primary method after efforts to produce a consensus candidate failed, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen remaining in the race.
Atiku enters the contest with extensive political experience and a nationwide structure built over decades in public service.
Since leaving the Peoples Democratic Party in 2025, he has played a key role in efforts to unite opposition forces under the ADC ahead of the 2027 election.
Political observers believe his influence, national recognition and strong support base could place him ahead of the other aspirants, although critics argue the party may seek younger leadership.
Amaechi is also regarded as a strong contender. The former Rivers governor and ex transport minister is relying on his record in infrastructure development, particularly railway projects executed during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Supporters have also argued that zoning considerations favour retaining the presidency in the South, presenting Amaechi as a viable option.
Meanwhile, Hayatu Deen has positioned himself as a reform minded technocrat focused on economic recovery, youth employment and institutional reforms.
The former banking executive has urged party members to embrace competence driven leadership, while rejecting what he described as recycled politics.
His aspiration recently received support from ADC stakeholders in the South West who endorsed him ahead of the primary.
Meanwhile, the party’s internal crisis deepened on Sunday after a faction loyal to Dumebi Kachikwu dissolved the National Working Committee and declared him its sole presidential candidate during a separate convention in Abuja.
Kachikwu said Nigeria needed decisive leadership to tackle insecurity, unemployment and economic hardship, adding that the ADC must emerge as a credible alternative ahead of future elections.
