Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has extended birthday wishes to former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi as the two politicians remain at the center of a tense contest within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primaries.
In a public message marking Amaechi’s 61st birthday, Atiku described the former Rivers State governor as a “brother” and a committed patriot dedicated to Nigeria’s democratic development.
The goodwill message came at a politically sensitive moment, with Atiku maintaining a strong lead in the ADC presidential primary collation process.
Preliminary figures from the ongoing direct primaries reportedly placed Atiku ahead with over 1.4 million votes across 24 states and the Federal Capital Territory, while Amaechi trailed with approximately 246,455 votes.
Businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen also participated in the race but later distanced himself from aspects of the process.
Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen have both rejected the emerging results, alleging widespread irregularities, voter disenfranchisement, manipulation, and vote buying during the primaries.
Amaechi earlier declared that he would not accept outcomes from what he described as a flawed and compromised process inconsistent with the ADC’s promise of internal democracy.
The party’s collation exercise was temporarily paused for the Eid al-Adha celebrations before resuming Wednesday evening.
Online reactions to Atiku’s birthday message were sharply divided.
Some supporters praised the gesture as a demonstration of political maturity and personal respect despite intense competition within the opposition party.
Others mocked the timing of the message, with critics sarcastically suggesting it contrasted with allegations surrounding the disputed primary results.
One widely circulated comment online joked, “Rig am for night, greet am for morning,” reflecting growing skepticism among some opposition supporters regarding the credibility of the process.
The developments have further exposed tensions within the ADC at a time when the party is attempting to position itself as a major opposition platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Political analysts warn that unresolved disputes arising from the primaries could deepen divisions within the opposition and complicate coalition-building efforts against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Observers say the handling of the ADC primaries may significantly shape public perceptions of the party’s credibility and readiness to present itself as an alternative governing platform in 2027.
