Seek redress over presidential primary if you need to, ADC tells Amaechi, Hayatu-Deen

Seek redress over presidential primary if you need to, ADC tells Amaechi, Hayatu-Deen

The African Democratic Congress has urged Presidential aspirants, former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and economist, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, to seek redress for any grievances through established party structures and statutory electoral mechanisms rather than public confrontation.

ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, also said there is no evidence to support claims that the party’s presidential primary election was rigged in favour of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Abdullahi made the clarification during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, on Tuesday stating that with results still being collated, there is currently no basis to confirm or dismiss the allegations raised by some aspirants.

The ADC held a nationwide direct primary on Monday to select its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

Although the party is yet to officially announce the final results from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, early figures indicate Atiku is leading, with former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi in second place, while Abubakar Atiku Hayatu-Deen is in third position.

Both Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen have rejected the outcome so far, alleging irregularities and manipulation in favour of Atiku.

However, Abdullahi maintained that since collation is ongoing, no evidence has yet emerged to substantiate or disprove their claims.

He stated, “On the concerns raised by the Presidential aspirants, who alleged that the process was rigged and marred by irregularities, we currently do not have sufficient evidence to either support or dismiss those claims. Since the results are still being collated, we have not observed any clear pattern that would substantiate such allegations.

“However, there are established procedures within both the political party and the electoral system for addressing complaints or allegations of irregularities. At this stage, we do not have enough information to conclusively say whether the allegations are true or false. At this moment, we do not know the final outcome, but we expect to have a clearer picture by the end of the day.

“Our results have been coming in, and everything has been progressing smoothly. So far, results from 11 states have been received, while we are still awaiting others from across the federation.

“The collation process is expected to commence around 7 p.m. and may continue for several hours. Major party leaders and dignitaries are already arriving, and proceedings are expected to begin shortly.”

Speaking on the Kingsley Ogga-led ADC faction that announced Dumebi Kachikwu as its 2027 presidential candidate, Bola Abdullahi said the faction led by David Mark remains unperturbed by the development.

He added that the National Working Committee enjoys the recognition of the Independent National Electoral Commission, and is therefore not concerned about the activities of the rival faction.

ADC Publicity Secretary stated, “That said, the party leadership is not disturbed by the claims. INEC is fully aware of who is conducting the legitimate convention of the African Democratic Congress, and under the law, the genuine organisers are clearly recognised.

“Anyone can make claims, but that does not automatically confer legitimacy. The existence of parallel groups does not mean they are lawful or recognised. For us, these distractions are not a source of concern. ADC has experienced similar situations before, and we will continue to address them appropriately as events unfold.

“Regarding INEC’s presence, we are expecting the commission’s officials at the collation centre tonight. INEC has attended and monitored all our congresses and primary elections across the 36 states and the FCT. Every stage of the process has been fully documented by INEC officials.

“From the House of Assembly primaries to the governorship, House of Representatives, Senate and presidential primaries, INEC has remained involved throughout the process. Therefore, we have no concerns regarding their participation or oversight.”