ADC Set to Announce 2026 Presidential Primary Winner Amid Rising Tension in Opposition Camp
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has confirmed that it will announce the winner of its 2026 presidential primary election on Tuesday, May 26, as rivalry intensifies among key opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The announcement was disclosed by party member Abdul-Aziz Na’ibi Abubakar, even as tensions continue to build within the party’s emerging coalition structure.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the ongoing process as the only “real primary election” currently being conducted in Nigeria, insisting that the ADC is demonstrating true internal democracy.
“ADC today is the only party conducting a real primary election in this country. Even as we speak, none of the three aspirants can confidently tell you that they will fly the ADC ticket,” Abdullahi said.
The development followed Monday’s parallel ward-level voting exercise held across the country, which saw former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi participate in their respective locations.
Atiku cast his vote at the Ajiya Ward Polling Unit in Jimeta, Yola, Adamawa State, describing the process as a strong demonstration of democratic practice within the coalition.
“I joined other prospective voters of the African Democratic Congress in our party’s presidential primaries in casting my vote… This is democracy at work,” he wrote on his X handle, adding that the nationwide ward-based exercise marked “a major step” toward political renewal.
Former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi also took part in the exercise at Ubima in Rivers State, where he was received by supporters and party stakeholders.
However, the exercise has further exposed divisions within the ADC coalition, which has become a convergence platform for opposition leaders positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
Amaechi had earlier criticised Atiku’s repeated success in party primaries, questioning whether it translated into national electoral victory.
“I hope this will be the first time he will fail a primary,” Amaechi said during a televised interview, arguing that political experience alone may not guarantee electoral success.
He further questioned Atiku’s continued relevance in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape, asking what “new ideas” he brings to the table.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that the party’s presidential screening exercise was earlier postponed following disagreements among stakeholders over alleged attempts to favour a consensus candidate.
The internal disagreement is said to centre around Atiku, Amaechi, and former presidential aspirant Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, with consultations ongoing behind the scenes to prevent a possible split within the coalition ahead of the official announcement.
