The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Monday commenced nationwide direct presidential primaries across Nigeria’s 8,809 wards as the party seeks to position itself as a major opposition force ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The contest features prominent aspirants including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, all of whom have emerged as key figures in the opposition’s attempt to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Voting took place simultaneously across the country, with Atiku casting his ballot in Adamawa State while emphasizing the importance of grassroots participation and internal democracy within the party.
Amaechi also participated in the exercise from Rivers State, describing the contest as a critical moment for opposition politics in Nigeria.
However, the exercise was overshadowed by controversy and visible factional tensions within the ADC.
Videos circulating online from some polling units showed sparse turnout and irregular vote announcements, including claims of sudden jumps in figures during counting exercises that critics described as suspicious.
One viral clip allegedly showed a polling unit announcing more than 1,100 votes for Atiku despite what appeared to observers as a relatively small number of participants present.
The controversies fueled accusations of irregularities and raised fresh concerns about the credibility of the party’s internal electoral process.
The situation was further complicated by a parallel convention reportedly held on Sunday by a rival faction loyal to Dumebi Kachikwu.
That faction announced the dissolution of the existing ADC leadership and declared Kachikwu as the party’s presidential nominee, deepening uncertainty over the party’s unity and legal standing ahead of the elections.
Political analysts say the internal crisis could weaken the ADC’s attempt to present itself as a stable alternative platform capable of uniting opposition forces against the APC.
Supporters of the party, however, insist that the primaries represent an important democratic exercise and argue that internal disagreements are common in growing political movements.
Observers note that the coming weeks will likely determine whether the ADC can resolve its factional disputes and consolidate support around a single leadership structure before the 2027 campaign season intensifies.
