The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has cleared all three of its presidential aspirants to contest Monday’s direct primary elections ahead of the 2027 general election.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi and economist Hayatu-Deen Mohammed were approved by the party’s presidential screening committee.
The committee, chaired by former Cross River State governor Senator Liyel Imoke, also cleared 513 aspirants for the House of Representatives, 109 for the Senate and 80 for governorship races.
Other members include Hon CID Maduabum, who serves as secretary, along with Alhaji Lawal Batagarawa, Prof Bode Ayorinde, Hon Nnena Elendu-Ukeje, Prof David Salifu and Col Abubakar Ali Ciroma (rtd).
The direct presidential primary will be held in all 8,809 wards across the country on Monday 25 May, in line with guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
A source close to the screening committee said none of the aspirants had agreed to step down.
READ ALSO: Akpabio Declares ADC 'Dead' as Defections Sweep National Assembly
"We spoke to the presidential aspirants and none of them agreed to step down for each other. So, we have recommended that the leadership of the party put in motion all processes for the direct primary election as directed by INEC," the source said.
Speaking after his screening, Amaechi said he intended to run for the presidency and not for the vice-presidential slot.
"I don’t want to be vice president. I made myself clear," he said, adding that his ambition was not tied to any power-sharing arrangement.
He also said that if elected president in 2027 he would abolish the federal character principle, arguing that all Nigerians should have equal citizenship rights regardless of region or ethnicity.
Hayatu-Deen said he would abide by the party’s decision, though he did not indicate he would withdraw from the race.
The ADC is expected to announce the winner of the presidential primary after voting concludes across the wards.
0 Comments