May 26 (THEWILL) — Fresh crisis appears to be brewing within the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) following allegations of widespread irregularities, vote rigging and voter disenfranchisement that have trailed the party’s 2027 presidential primary election.
The controversy intensified on Wednesday after former Minister of Transportation and presidential aspirant, Rotimi Amaechi, rejected the outcome of the primary election, describing the results announced across the country as “concocted” and inconsistent with democratic principles.
Amaechi’s rejection came barely hours after another leading aspirant, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, distanced himself from the final stage of the exercise, citing alleged manipulation and irregularities observed during the process.
In a statement posted on his X platform, Amaechi alleged that the primary election was marred by widespread voter disenfranchisement, insisting that a significant percentage of party members were denied the opportunity to participate in the process.
“I unequivocally reject the concocted results being announced”, Amaechi declared.
The former Rivers State governor recalled that he had earlier committed himself to accepting the outcome of the exercise only if it was conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner.
“I had initially stated that I will only accept the outcome of the primaries if the process was free, fair, and transparent, and I stand by my word”, he added.
Amaechi argued that the conduct of the exercise contradicted the democratic ideals the ADC had consistently projected as an opposition platform seeking to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“There’s no way that about eighty percent of members of the party were not allowed to vote, and you expect me to accept such results, he stated.
The former minister further accused the party leadership of engaging in the same electoral practices it had repeatedly condemned in both the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“A party that criticises the ruling APC and INEC for vote buying, rigging and writing of results, cannot be engaged in vote buying, writing of results, and other electoral malpractices that lead to the disenfranchisement of voters who are party members”, Amaechi stated.
Earlier on Tuesday, Hayatu-Deen had announced his withdrawal from the concluding stage of the primary process, including the official declaration of results, over alleged vote manipulation and irregularities.
In a statement, the businessman and former banker expressed concern over reports of widespread rigging from different parts of the country, saying the credibility of the exercise had been seriously compromised.
“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”, Hayatu-Deen stated.
The development has heightened tensions within the ADC and threatens to overshadow what the party had earlier projected as a transparent and democratic presidential primary ahead of the 2027 general election.
The contest was fiercely contested among former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen, with Atiku eventually emerging winner after reportedly securing victories in several states during the collation process.
As of the time the results were being announced, arrangements had already been concluded in Abuja for the formal declaration, with party officials, delegates and supporters gathered at the venue awaiting the outcome.
However, the allegations by Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen have now cast a shadow over the credibility of the exercise and raised fresh concerns about the stability of the opposition coalition built around the ADC platform.
The ADC leadership had yet to officially respond to the allegations at the time of filing this report, while the camp of Atiku also remained silent on the claims of manipulation and electoral malpractice.
Hayatu-Deen, who campaigned heavily on reforms, national unity and economic recovery, had positioned himself as a technocratic alternative within the opposition party and attracted support from professionals and reform-minded party members.
Political observers say the growing discontent among defeated aspirants could deepen divisions within the ADC and complicate efforts by the opposition coalition to present a united front against the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
