May 08, (THEWILL) — The 2027 presidential race on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) gathered significant momentum on Friday as former Governor of Rivers State and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, formally entered the contest amid growing political realignments ahead of the next general election.
Amaechi’s entry was confirmed when a high-powered delegation of political stakeholders obtained the party’s Presidential Nomination and Expression of Interest forms on his behalf at the ADC national headquarters in Abuja.
The delegation was led by former APC National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, alongside Senator Abatemi-Usman, Hon. Asita and other influential political figures.
The development came barely 24 hours after renowned economist and politician, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, picked the ADC presidential nomination form, becoming the first aspirant to formally obtain the party’s ticket for the 2027 election.
THEWILL reports that the nomination form was presented to Hayatu-Deen at the ADC National Secretariat on Thursday night by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Prince Chinedu Idigo.
Speaking shortly after obtaining the form, Hayatu-Deen pledged loyalty to the party’s internal democratic processes, stressing that he would abide by whichever mode of primary election the party leadership adopts.
“I have made it clear in a number of places that our leadership is strong, it is vigorous, it is wise and it exercises sound judgment. We follow the rules in this party to the letter,” he said.
He added that the party leadership would determine whether the presidential candidate emerges through direct primaries or consensus arrangement.
“I am here to pick up the nomination form to contest for the office of the president on the platform of ADC, and I have picked it up,” he stated.
Hayatu-Deen also emphasised the importance of democratic participation, noting that every eligible Nigerian has the constitutional right to seek elective office.
“The president emerged through democratic processes, and Nigerians must remain free to choose their leaders through open contests, free speech and credible elections,” he added.
The economist further unveiled key elements of his proposed policy direction, promising aggressive job creation, reduction in living costs, decisive action against insecurity and a drastic reduction in poverty levels if elected.
“My priority is jobs, lower living costs, decisive action on insecurity and reducing poverty by at least 60 per cent within four years. Nigeria cannot continue as the poverty capital of the world. Our people deserve prosperity, safety and responsible governance,” he said.
Hayatu-Deen described the country’s poverty and security challenges as unacceptable, promising institutional reforms aimed at rebuilding public confidence in governance.
On the prospect of facing prominent political figures, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, in the ADC presidential contest, Hayatu-Deen expressed confidence in his experience and vision.
“Everybody will go to the primary with their best foot forward. I’m going to put my best foot forward. I believe that I have an agenda that is very compelling, that is very energetic, and I believe that I’m a visionary leader,” he said.
Meanwhile, supporters of Amaechi described his candidacy as a “renewed national movement,” citing his record as a two-term governor and former Transportation Minister who oversaw major railway modernisation and port development projects.
Members of the delegation that secured Amaechi’s forms said Nigeria needed experienced leadership capable of addressing economic and governance challenges.
“This is about leadership and experience. Nigeria is at a crossroads, and we need a bold leader who has a proven track record of delivering results and building institutions,” a member of the delegation stated.
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