Coalition Politics On Trial As ADC Picks Tinubu Challenger Today
The African Democratic Congress commences the selection of its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election today, with party members across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory expected to participate in what observers describe as one of the most consequential opposition primaries in recent years.
The party has settled on the direct primary method after all three aspirants, 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 ADC initially weighed an affirmation process modelled after the Nigeria Democratic Congress, party leaders insist the direct primary aligns fully with the Electoral Act 2026.
Atiku Abubakar enters today’s exercise with arguably the most expansive political network. Since his exit from the Peoples Democratic Party in November 2025, he has anchored efforts to unite opposition forces under the ADC banner, working closely with former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who serve as National Chairman and National Secretary respectively. Figures reportedly aligned with his camp include former Attorney General 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 PDP chieftain who recently defected to the ADC, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “I believe the party will ultimately settle for a candidate capable of attracting votes across the country. 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.”
A member of the House of Representatives and ADC chieftain echoed that view, recalling Atiku’s victory at the 2022 PDP primary in Port Harcourt despite formidable opposition. However, critics argue that the Waziri Adamawa, politically active since 1992, should now embrace the role of an elder statesman.
Rotimi Amaechi presents himself as a credible alternative grounded in executive experience. The former Rivers State Governor and Minister of Transportation under President Muhammadu Buhari is widely associated with the railway corridors developed during that administration. A founding member of the All Progressives Congress, Amaechi’s allies argue that zoning considerations favour retaining the presidency in the South.
An associate of the former minister stated, “The schools Amaechi built as governor of Rivers State remain among the best examples of public infrastructure development in the country. The railway corridors operational in parts of the country today are part of his enduring legacy.”
Mohammed Hayatu Deen, former Chief Executive Officer of FSB International Bank Plc, anchors his campaign on economic revival, youth employment, and institutional reform. The 72 year old economist recently urged party members to reject what he termed “recycled politics.”
ADC stakeholders in the South West endorsed his candidacy on Sunday in a statement signed by Babajide Dosunmu, leader of the ADC South West Professionals Forum. “The South West has always stood for progressive politics, competent governance, intellectual depth, and economic transformation. After extensive consultations and engagements, we are convinced that Mohammed Hayatu Deen embodies the kind of leadership Nigeria urgently requires at this critical moment,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the party’s internal crisis deepened on Sunday when a faction loyal to Dumebi Kachikwu held a parallel convention in Abuja, adopted him as presidential candidate by voice vote, dissolved the existing National Working Committee, and named Abdulkadir Bashir as National Chairman, Johnny Derek as National Secretary, and Kingsley Oggah as Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
“The mass exodus of our middle class is indicative of those who have chosen not to be part of this hardship anymore,” Kachikwu declared after receiving the faction’s flag.