The race for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election is beginning to gather momentum, with three prominent figures — former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen — officially obtaining nomination forms between Friday and Saturday.
The latest development signals the start of what could become a keenly contested battle for the ADC’s presidential ticket as political parties gradually gear up for the 2027 elections.
Hayatu-Deen emerged as the first aspirant to purchase the party’s nomination form, making him the earliest officially declared contender for the ADC presidential ticket.
In a statement, the ADC described him as “a renowned economist, banker, investor, and corporate leader from Borno State,” highlighting his decades of experience in economic management, financial transformation, and national development. The party said he was welcomed at the ADC secretariat by supporters and party loyalists.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has also formally entered the race and is expected to submit his completed nomination forms on Monday at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
Confirming the development in a post on its official X handle, the ADC stated that Atiku had “officially received his payment receipt to contest under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 presidential election.”
The party added that the move represents “another significant moment in the growing movement for national renewal, democratic inclusion, and people-driven leadership within the ADC.”
Rotimi Amaechi, who served as governor of Rivers State and later as minister of transportation under former President Muhammadu Buhari, also secured his nomination form earlier in the week.
The form was collected on his behalf by former Edo State governor and APC national chairman, John Oyegun. He was accompanied by former Minister of Environment Mohammed Abdullahi, Senator Nura Abatemi, media executive Ike Bishop Okoronkwo, and other political stakeholders.
The flurry of activity within the ADC comes less than a year before the 2027 presidential election and ahead of party conventions expected to determine the various presidential candidates.
Although regarded as one of Nigeria’s major opposition parties, the ADC has recently experienced notable exits, including former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, who have since distanced themselves from the party.
