ADC primary: Amaechi rejects Imo results, Hayatu-Deen withdraws, Atiku maintains nationwide lead

The presidential primary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken a dramatic turn, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar maintaining a strong early lead across multiple states, even as rival camps raise allegations of irregularities and internal disputes threaten to overshadow the exercise.

Tensions escalated in Imo State on Tuesday after the Rotimi Amaechi campaign rejected the outcome of the primary conducted in the state, describing the process as a “sham” and calling for its outright cancellation. At the same time, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen’s camp reportedly withdrew from aspects of the contest in protest over what it described as structural flaws in the exercise.

The developments come as the ADC continues its nationwide presidential primary process ahead of the 2027 general elections, with results so far indicating a dominant performance by Atiku Abubakar across several states, including Gombe, Sokoto, Ebonyi, Abia, Edo, Osun, and Zamfara, while Amaechi has recorded isolated victories such as in Bayelsa State.

Amaechi camp rejects Imo results, demands fresh primary

In Imo State, the Amaechi campaign structure rejected the declared results, insisting that no legitimate primary election took place in many parts of the state.

Speaking to journalists in Owerri, the Orlu Zonal Coordinator of the Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi Imo State Campaign Structure and Convener of the Movement for Amaechi’s Presidency, Chigozie Alex, alleged widespread irregularities and exclusion of accredited party members.

According to him, voting did not take place in the majority of wards, while party members who turned out were allegedly denied participation.

“No elections were held in the majority of wards across the state. Registered ADC members who came out to vote were turned away because there were no officials, no materials, and no polling units,” he said.

He further alleged that where activities took place, they were conducted without proper accreditation or access for party agents.

“Where any activity took place, our accredited agents were not given the locations. They were kept in the dark while a secret process was conducted without their presence,” he added.

The Amaechi camp also questioned the credibility of the returning officers, alleging compromise and bias.

“The returning officers for this so-called primary were the party’s LGA chairmen and House of Assembly aspirants – the same individuals who have been compromised by agents of a rival candidate,” he alleged.

Describing the exercise as fundamentally flawed, the group insisted that what occurred in Imo State did not meet the standard of a direct primary.

“What we witnessed was not a direct primary. It was a secret selection,” he said, accusing the process of being conducted in “hidden locations” without agents or members of the Amaechi camp.

The group demanded immediate cancellation of the Imo primary and called for a fresh, transparent, and inclusive exercise.

“We call on the national leadership of the ADC to cancel the sham primary conducted in Imo State, conduct a fresh, transparent, and inclusive direct primary across all wards,” the statement added.

Despite the rejection, the ADC electoral panel proceeded to announce results for Imo State, declaring Atiku Abubakar the winner with 52,200 votes.

Amaechi reportedly polled 7,659 votes, while Mohammed Hayatu-Deen scored 1,121 votes.

Hayatu-Deen withdraws amid rising tensions

Hayatu-Deen announced his intention to pull out of the official results announcement event.

In a statement on his X handle on Tuesday, Hayatu-Deen expressed concern over reports of electoral irregularities from across the country.

The ADC aspirant noted that he witnessed some of the incidents.

“I will not be attending the announcement of the ADC Presidential Election Results today. I am concerned by reports from across the country of widespread vote rigging, some of which I myself observed, and will therefore be taking advice on my next steps,” the statement read.

Atiku dominates early results across multiple states

Despite the controversies, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has maintained a commanding lead across several states where results have been declared.

In Edo State, Atiku polled 17,729 votes to defeat Amaechi, who scored 10,116 votes, while Hayatu-Deen came third with 1,906 votes. The election was described by officials as peaceful and orderly.

In Gombe State, Atiku recorded one of his most decisive victories, polling 139,334 votes compared to Amaechi’s 1,150 and Hayatu-Deen’s 464 votes.

In Abia State, Atiku secured 25,153 votes, ahead of Amaechi, who polled 18,339 votes, and Hayatu-Deen with 3,264 votes.

Ebonyi State results further reinforced his dominance, with Atiku scoring 15,300 votes, while Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen polled 2,200 and 200 votes respectively.

In Sokoto State, Atiku amassed 68,823 votes, leaving Amaechi with 292 votes and Hayatu-Deen with 319 votes.

Zamfara State also followed a similar pattern, with Atiku securing 60,500 votes, while Hayatu-Deen scored 436 votes and Amaechi 191 votes.

In Osun State, Atiku again emerged victorious with 12,321 votes, defeating Hayatu-Deen, who polled 4,000 votes, and Amaechi, who scored 679 votes. Officials said he won across all 30 local government areas in the state.

Across these states, party officials have consistently declared Atiku the winner, often citing wide margins and strong delegate turnout in his favour.

Amaechi’s only major victory in Bayelsa

Amid Atiku’s sweeping performance, Rotimi Amaechi recorded a significant victory in Bayelsa State, where he defeated both Atiku and Hayatu-Deen.

According to results announced by the party, Amaechi secured 44,404 votes in Bayelsa, while Atiku polled 6,570 votes and Hayatu-Deen 939 votes.

The Bayelsa result stands out as one of the few states where Amaechi has managed to secure a decisive win, reflecting pockets of regional support within the ongoing contest.

National collation still ongoing

Although results from several states have been announced, the ADC is yet to complete national collation of votes from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Party officials are expected to formally announce a consolidated result after the conclusion of voting and verification processes across remaining states.

The exercise has drawn significant national attention as it represents one of the early major opposition primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Rising tensions and legal concerns

The conflicting claims emerging from various states, particularly in Imo, have raised concerns about internal cohesion within the ADC.

While state electoral committees continue to announce results, rival camps are increasingly questioning the credibility of the process, with allegations ranging from exclusion of agents to procedural irregularities.

The Amaechi camp’s rejection of the Imo results adds to growing unease, as party stakeholders await clarification from the national leadership.

Observers say the unfolding situation may test the ADC’s internal conflict resolution mechanisms, particularly as the party seeks to position itself as a credible alternative in the 2027 elections.

A three-way contest shaping up

The primary has effectively become a three-way contest between Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, each bringing distinct political and ideological appeal.

Atiku, a former Vice President and two-time presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, continues to dominate early results, reinforcing his status as one of Nigeria’s most enduring opposition figures.

Amaechi, former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, has campaigned on institutional reform and internal party democracy, though his campaign has been dogged by disputes over process integrity in some states.

Hayatu-Deen, an economist and former presidential aspirant, has anchored his campaign on economic restructuring and private sector-led development, though his participation appears to be weakening amid reports of withdrawal from parts of the contest.