Nigeria’s opposition party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is facing internal turmoil after two of its presidential aspirants rejected the outcome of its primary election. Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi denounced the results as “concocted,” alleging widespread voter disenfranchisement across the country. He insisted that nearly 80 percent of party members were denied the chance to vote, arguing that such irregularities undermine the party’s credibility as a political alternative. His statement, posted on his verified X account, emphasized that he would only accept results from a free and transparent process.
Amaechi’s rejection came just hours after fellow aspirant Mohammed Hayatu, Deen announced his boycott of the final collation and declaration ceremony in Abuja. Hayatu Deen, an economist and former banker, cited reports of vote rigging, some of which he claimed to have personally observed. He said he would not attend the announcement of results and would consult on his next steps. Both men’s protests cast a shadow over the ADC’s attempt to present itself as a credible challenger to Nigeria’s ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Despite the objections, collation continued at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, with returning officers submitting figures from across the states. Early results showed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar holding a commanding lead, winning in 22 states and the Federal Capital Territory, while Amaechi secured victories in only two states. In several states, Atiku’s margin was overwhelming, including Gombe, where he polled over 136,000 votes compared to Amaechi’s 1,141 and Hayatu-Deen’s 455.
The scale of Atiku’s lead was also evident in Ekiti, the FCT, Enugu, Benue, Abia, Yobe, Ondo, and Edo, where he consistently outperformed his rivals by wide margins. Party officials described the exercise as peaceful and transparent, though the dissenting voices of Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen suggest deep divisions within the ADC. Independent National Electoral Commission officials were present to monitor proceedings, adding a layer of oversight to the process.
Observers note that the rejection of results by two prominent aspirants could weaken the ADC’s image as a reformist party. Amaechi warned that if the ADC engages in the same practices it criticizes in the ruling party, it risks losing its moral authority. His comments highlight the broader challenge facing opposition parties in Nigeria: balancing internal democracy with the need to present a united front against entrenched political forces.
As of late Tuesday night, Atiku remained firmly ahead, with results from more than half of the states confirming his dominance. The ADC leadership had yet to officially respond to the allegations of irregularities, leaving questions about how the party will manage the fallout. The controversy underscores the fragile state of Nigeria’s opposition politics, where disputes over internal processes often threaten broader efforts to challenge the ruling establishment.
