Politics
Atiku, Amaechi,Hayatu-Deen contest ADC Presidential ticket today
The leadership of the party opted for the direct primary method after all three aspirants — former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen — reportedly declined calls to step down for a consensus candidate.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) party will today commence the process of selecting its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, with party members across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory expected to participate in the exercise.
The leadership of the party opted for the direct primary method after all three aspirants — former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen — reportedly declined calls to step down for a consensus candidate.
Below is a vignette of the contenders:
Atiku Abubakar
A former Vice President and one of Nigeria’s most prominent opposition figures, Atiku Abubakar enters the race with decades of political experience and an expansive national network cultivated over years in public service.
Since leaving the Peoples Democratic Party in November 2025, Atiku has played a leading role in efforts to unite opposition forces under the ADC platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
Working alongside former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola — now serving as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary respectively — Atiku has championed the formation of a broad coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Key political figures reportedly aligned with his camp include former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, ex-Minister of Sports Bolaji Abdullahi, and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal.
Political analysts say Atiku’s financial muscle, name recognition, and nationwide political structure could give him a significant edge in the contest.
Rotimi Amaechi
Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi is also regarded as a strong contender in today’s exercise.
Amaechi, who served as Minister of Transportation under former President Muhammadu Buhari, gained national recognition for the railway projects executed during his tenure.
A founding member of the All Progressives Congress, he was widely viewed in the final years of the Buhari administration as one of the influential figures within the ruling party.
Now contesting under the ADC platform, Amaechi is presenting himself as a credible alternative capable of restoring public confidence in governance.
Mohammed Hayatu-Deen
For Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, the contest offers an opportunity to present himself as a technocrat with the expertise to tackle Nigeria’s economic and governance challenges.
The former Chief Executive Officer of FSB International Bank Plc has centred his campaign on economic revival, youth employment, and institutional reforms — issues he says are critical to addressing the country’s deepening hardship and insecurity.
Last week, Hayatu-Deen criticised his rivals, urging party members to reject what he described as “recycled politics.”
The 72-year-old economist has repeatedly argued that Nigeria needs leadership anchored on competence, discipline, and people-focused policies.While his policy-driven approach has earned commendation in some quarters, observers note that he still faces challenges in terms of national political visibility when compared with Atiku and Amaechi.
Politics
JUST IN: Adeboye says he Admires Trump, declaring “He is the best politician I’ve met’
To be a good politician, you must be able to say two things from the same mouth. A little to the right and left – that’s what makes you a professional politician.
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has described United States President Donald Trump as the “best politician” he has ever known, saying the American leader keeps his promises and acts decisively on them.
Adeboye made the remarks when he spoke at the US-Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala organised by the Save Nigeria Group in Washington, D.C.
The cleric said that he admired Trump not because he agreed with all his policies, but because he believed the US president was a leader who followed through on his commitments.
His words, “I’ve never met Trump, but I’ve followed him, and I like him. It doesn’t mean I agree with all his ways, but what I like about him is if you want the truth, he’s the best politician I’ve ever met.
During the first time, an ambassador in Nigeria then visited me in my home, and he said, ‘What do you think about our new president?’ ‘I said, ‘I like him because he’s doing what he promised he will do.
Adeboye emphasised that unlike many politicians who make conflicting statements, Trump says what he intends to do and carries it out.
“To be a good politician, you must be able to say two things from the same mouth. A little to the right and left – that’s what makes you a professional politician, and then I like him because when he says he wants to do this, you better get ready because many times he would have done what he’s going to do before he tells you.”
Politics
2027: Atiku Alleged Plot To Keep ADC Off Ballot
” We therefore call on all Nigerians—not just ADC members and supporters—to rise in defense of democracy and reject any attempt by the ruling party to cherry-pick which opposition parties are permitted to participate in the next general election.”
Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, alleged a plot by the Presidency, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and elements within the judiciary to remove the ADC from the ballot ahead of the 2027 general election.
The allegation was contained in a statement signed by Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, and released on Monday.
In the statement, Atiku disclosed that he had received credible information indicating that renewed efforts may be underway to use political and legal machinations to keep the ADC off the ballot in 2027 general election.
He said there was a coordinated onslaught by anti-democratic elements within the ruling party aimed at ensuring that the ADC is excluded from next year’s ballot.
“We are fully aware of their plots. While they seek to sow confusion within the opposition, we know their real target is the ADC because it represents the most credible alternative.
“We therefore call on all Nigerians—not just ADC members and supporters—to rise in defense of democracy and reject any attempt by the ruling party to cherry-pick which opposition parties are permitted to participate in the next general election.”
Politics
2027 Polls: NDC Deregistration Cannot Stand – Peter Obi
Peter Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has dismissed the Kogi State High Court ruling in Lokoja ordering the deregistration of the party, describing it as a “bizarre temporary breakdown” that will not derail the party’s mission.
In a swift reaction on Friday, Obi expressed strong optimism that the party’s journey remains on course, insisting that while there may be detours, the final destination is non-negotiable.
A statement issued by the Spokesperson of Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), Idris Zekeri Jnr, quoted Obi as urging NDC members and supporters not to be discouraged but to remain calm and focused.
The statement described the court ruling as “a hurdle, not a stop sign,” adding that the party’s legal team is thoroughly reviewing the judgment with plans to initiate immediate corrective and appellate measures.
“We always knew that the journey to dismantle a deeply entrenched and grossly underperforming political status quo would be met with fierce institutional resistance and unexpected legal detours,” the statement noted.
Obi called on all supporters, coalition partners, and patriots nationwide to “remain absolutely calm and focused,” reaffirming the party’s commitment to building a transparent, legitimate, and formidable political alternative for Nigerians.
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