The presidential primary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has plunged into controversy following strong rejection of the outcome by former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, who described the process as compromised and unacceptable.

Akahi News gathered that tensions erupted shortly after results began circulating from the nationwide exercise held across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, where former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was widely reported to be leading.

Amaechi, who was one of the leading contenders alongside Atiku Abubakar and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, dismissed the outcome, insisting that the exercise was marred by widespread disenfranchisement and lacked transparency.

According to information available to Akahi News, the former Minister of Transportation maintained that the credibility of the entire process had been severely undermined, warning that no genuine democratic system could survive under such conditions.

Amaechi Raises Allegations of Disenfranchisement

In a strongly worded position, Amaechi argued that a significant number of party members were allegedly denied the opportunity to participate in the voting process.

He maintained that he had earlier pledged to accept only a free, fair and transparent primary, stressing that the reports emerging from several states fell far below acceptable standards.

Akahi News learnt that his rejection was not isolated, as another aspirant, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, also expressed dissatisfaction and reportedly boycotted the final collation stage in Abuja over similar concerns.

Hayatu-Deen was said to have cited irregularities and suspected manipulation of votes, although he stopped short of directly accusing any individual or group within the party.

The developments have now cast a long shadow over what was initially expected to be a defining moment for the opposition party ahead of future general elections.

Atiku Maintains Strong Lead Amid Internal Disputes

Despite the protests, collation of results reportedly continued, with Atiku Abubakar maintaining a clear lead across a majority of states.

Akahi News gathered that early figures from the exercise showed Atiku winning in several states, while Amaechi secured limited victories in a few regions. The results, however, remain at the centre of heated political debate within the party.

Party officials have insisted that the process was conducted in line with established guidelines, describing the exercise as largely peaceful and credible. But the opposition from key aspirants has raised fresh questions about internal unity and trust.

Many Nigerians are now watching closely. How can a party seeking national leadership struggle so openly with credibility issues at its own primary level? It is not a child’s play.

Party Leadership Calls for Calm Amid Rising Tension

The ADC leadership has urged aggrieved aspirants to channel their complaints through internal dispute resolution mechanisms rather than making public accusations that could further damage the party’s image.

Officials insist that no conclusive evidence has been presented to substantiate claims of rigging, adding that the collation process was still ongoing at the time of the dispute.

However, the growing tension has already sparked concern among political observers, who warn that unresolved grievances could deepen fractures within the party structure.

For many Nigerians, the unfolding drama reflects a broader question about internal democracy in political parties. How long can political structures continue to operate without trust and transparency at their core?

Uncertain Future for ADC After Heated Primary

As the dust begins to settle, uncertainty continues to trail the outcome of the ADC presidential primary, with both supporters and critics awaiting an official final declaration.

Akahi News understands that the controversy may not end soon, as aggrieved stakeholders weigh their next political steps.

What remains clear is that the dispute has exposed deep divisions within the party at a crucial moment in its political journey, raising doubts about cohesion ahead of future electoral contests.

For now, the opposition party finds itself at a crossroads, with unity, trust, and credibility all hanging in the balance.

By Joseph Iyaji |
Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News.