The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary has been thrown into serious disarray following strong rejection by former Rivers State Governor and presidential aspirant, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, of the results that declared former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the winner.
In a statement issued on his verified X handle, Amaechi categorically rejected the collated results, describing them as “concocted” and alleging widespread voter disenfranchisement across several parts of the country during the direct primary held on Monday, May 26, 2026.
“Following reports of widespread voter disenfranchisement in most parts of the country during the African Democratic Congress Presidential Primaries yesterday, I unequivocally reject the concocted results being announced. I had initially stated that I will only accept the outcome of the primaries if the process was free, fair, and transparent, and I stand by my word,” Amaechi said.
Amaechi, who contested alongside Atiku Abubakar and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, maintained that the process fell short of the standards of fairness and transparency required for a credible primary. Fellow aspirant Mohammed Hayatu-Deen also rejected the outcome, citing similar irregularities.
The development has cast a shadow over the ADC’s efforts to position itself as a formidable opposition platform ahead of the 2027 general elections. While preliminary results from various states showed Atiku Abubakar in a commanding lead, the rejection by key contenders has triggered calls for the nullification of the exercise and demands for a fresh, transparent primary.
Political observers note that the crisis highlights deeper fissures within the party and the broader opposition coalition as Nigeria prepares for the next electoral cycle.
The ADC National Leadership is yet to issue an official response to the allegations as collation and announcement processes continue amid the controversy.