The battle for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections intensified over the weekend as three prominent aspirants officially obtained nomination forms to contest the party’s primary election.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen have all declared their intention to seek the ADC presidential ticket, signaling the start of what is expected to be a keenly contested race within the opposition party.
Hayatu-Deen became the first aspirant to purchase the nomination form, formally declaring his ambition to contest the 2027 presidential election under the ADC platform.
The party described him as “a renowned economist, banker, investor, and corporate leader from Borno State,” adding that he possesses extensive experience in economic management, financial transformation and national development.
According to the ADC, the aspirant was welcomed by a large crowd of supporters and party loyalists during the process.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also joined the race shortly after securing his nomination documents. The party confirmed the development in a statement issued through its official X account.
“H.E. Atiku Abubakar, GCON, has officially received his payment receipt to contest under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 presidential election,” the statement read.
The party further stated that Atiku’s participation represents “another significant moment in the growing movement for national renewal, democratic inclusion, and people-driven leadership within the ADC.”
Atiku is expected to formally submit his completed nomination form at the ADC national secretariat in Abuja on Monday.
Meanwhile, former Minister of Transportation and ex-Rivers governor Rotimi Amaechi also entered the contest after obtaining his nomination form earlier in the week.
The form was collected on his behalf by former Edo State governor and ADC chieftain, Chief John Oyegun, during a visit to the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
Oyegun was accompanied by former Minister of Environment Mohammed Abdullahi, Senator Nura Abatemi, media executive Ike Bishop Okoronkwo, and several political associates and stakeholders.
Amaechi, who previously served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly before becoming governor and later a minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari, is considered one of the major contenders for the ADC ticket.
The latest developments come less than a year before Nigerians head to the polls for the 2027 presidential election, with political parties already preparing for conventions and primary elections to select their candidates.
The ADC has increasingly positioned itself as a key opposition platform in the country’s political landscape, although the party recently lost two notable political figures Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso who exited its fold ahead of the upcoming election cycle.
Political observers believed the entry of heavyweight politicians into the ADC presidential race could reshape alliances and influence opposition politics in the months leading to the election.
