ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The race for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election intensified on Friday and Saturday as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen obtained the party’s nomination forms.
The move comes months before political parties begin their conventions to select candidates for the 2027 presidential election.
Hayatu-Deen emerged as the first aspirant to officially pick the ADC presidential nomination form, becoming the party’s earliest declared contender for the race.
The ADC, while introducing the aspirant, described him as a respected economist, investor, banker and corporate leader from Borno State with decades of experience in economic management and national development.
“A renowned economist, banker, investor, and corporate leader from Borno State, Hayatu-Deen brings decades of experience in economic management, financial transformation, and national development,” the party stated.
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The party added that Hayatu-Deen was welcomed by enthusiastic supporters and loyal party members during the exercise.
Former Vice President Atiku has also formally joined the contest and is expected to submit his completed nomination form at the ADC National Secretariat in Abuja on Monday.
Confirming the development in a statement posted on its official X handle, the party said Atiku had received his payment receipt to contest the election on the ADC platform.
“H.E. Atiku Abubakar, GCON, has officially received his payment receipt to contest under the platform of the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 presidential election,” the statement read.
According to the party, Atiku’s entry into the race signals another major step in what it described as a growing movement for democratic inclusion and national renewal.
Amaechi, who also served as Minister of Transportation under former President Muhammadu Buhari, had earlier secured his nomination form through former Edo State governor, John Oyegun.
Oyegun was accompanied by former Minister of Environment Mohammed Abdullahi, Senator Nura Abatemi, Ike Bishop Okoronkwo, Chief Executive Officer of Bishop Plus Media Services, alongside other political stakeholders during the exercise.
The latest developments have further heightened political activities within the ADC as opposition parties continue consultations and coalition talks ahead of the 2027 election.
Although the ADC remains one of the country’s leading opposition parties, it recently witnessed the exit of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and former New Nigeria Peoples Party presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso from its fold.