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2027 race: ADC picks Presidential Candidate today
The African Democratic Congress 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.
Barring any last-minute changes, the party has 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.
Although the ADC initially considered adopting an affirmation process similar to that used by the Nigeria Democratic Congress, party leaders maintain that the direct primary option fully aligns with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
As members head to the polls today, attention has turned to the political weight, nationwide appeal, and perceived weaknesses of the three contenders vying for the party’s sole presidential ticket.
Atiku’s key strengths
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.
A former PDP chieftain who recently defected to the ADC said Atiku remains the frontrunner in the contest.
“I believe the party will ultimately settle for a candidate capable of attracting votes across the country. Atiku may have lost several presidential contests in the past, but when you compare his political profile with those of the other aspirants, it is clear he holds a significant advantage.
“Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen are both familiar faces in national politics, but Atiku remains a formidable force that will be difficult for either of them to overcome,” he said, requesting anonymity due to his closeness to the aspirants.
A member of the House of Representatives and ADC chieftain also described the race as one that appears to favour the former Vice President.
“All three aspirants have paid their dues in Nigerian politics, whether we acknowledge it or not. But I do not see Atiku losing to either of them.
“Recall that during the PDP presidential primaries in Port Harcourt, Atiku faced a major challenge yet still emerged victorious, despite then-Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike backing Aminu Tambuwal. In my view, Atiku stands a better chance than the other two contenders,” he said.
Despite his political stature and national appeal, Atiku may still face resistance from party members who believe it is time for a younger generation to take centre stage. Critics argue that having remained active in politics since 1992, the Waziri Adamawa should now embrace the role of an elder statesman.
Amaechi strong contender
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.
A close associate of the former minister described him as the candidate best suited to lead the country at this time.
“I do not have his permission to speak on his behalf, but Amaechi represents the kind of leadership Nigerians need for a fresh start,” the associate said.
He urged delegates to assess the track records of the aspirants before casting their votes.
“The schools Amaechi built as governor of Rivers State remain among the best examples of public infrastructure development in the country. Whatever critics may say, he was one of the key reasons the Buhari administration recorded notable achievements. The railway corridors operational in parts of the country today are part of his enduring legacy,” he added.
The associate also made a case for retaining the presidency in the South, arguing that zoning considerations favour Amaechi’s candidacy.
“Why are we here?” he asked. “The past three years have left many Nigerians questioning whether the right choices were made. If the presidency has remained in the South for four years and we agree that each region should complete eight years, then the party must put forward its strongest candidate. The South should retain the presidency, and Amaechi represents that option.”
Although Amaechi enjoys significant support in parts of the country, political analysts say it remains unclear whether he can build enough nationwide momentum within the ADC to counter Atiku’s entrenched political structure.
Hayatu-Deen’s reform agenda
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.
In a major boost to his ambition, ADC stakeholders in the South-West on Sunday endorsed his candidacy ahead of today’s primary.
The endorsement was conveyed in a statement signed by Babajide Dosunmu, leader of the ADC South-West Professionals Forum, following consultations with party stakeholders, youth groups, professionals, and grassroots mobilisers across the region.
Dosunmu said Hayatu-Deen possesses the leadership capacity needed to reposition the country amid mounting economic and governance concerns.
“The South-West has always stood for progressive politics, competent governance, intellectual depth, and economic transformation. After extensive consultations and engagements, we are convinced that Mohammed Hayatu-Deen embodies the kind of leadership Nigeria urgently requires at this critical moment,” the statement read.
He added that Hayatu-Deen’s background in banking, economic management, public policy, and institutional leadership places him in a strong position to confront the nation’s economic and security challenges.
“At a time when millions of Nigerians are struggling to survive, businesses are collapsing, young people are losing hope, and insecurity continues to threaten national stability, Nigeria needs a leader with proven competence, discipline, and a deep understanding of how economies function. Mohammed Hayatu-Deen possesses those qualities,” the statement added.
The group also commended his conduct throughout the primary process, particularly his call for aspirants to commit to the ADC’s Governance Principles and Code of Ethics, known as The Orange Book.
“In a political culture where many seek power without accountability, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen has distinguished himself through integrity, issue-based engagement, and a clear commitment to values-driven leadership. Character matters. Integrity matters. Leadership matters,” Dosunmu stated.
The forum urged delegates to support Hayatu-Deen, describing today’s primary as a defining moment for both the ADC and Nigeria’s political future.
“The decision before delegates today goes beyond personalities. It concerns the future of our party and the future of Nigeria. We believe Mohammed Hayatu-Deen gives the ADC its strongest chance to inspire confidence among Nigerians and present a credible national alternative capable of winning and governing effectively,” the statement added.
Factional crisis
Meanwhile, the crisis within the ADC deepened on Sunday as the faction loyal to Dumebi Kachikwu dissolved the party’s National Working Committee and declared him its sole presidential candidate.
The decision was reached during the faction’s national convention and presidential primary held in Abuja, where delegates adopted Kachikwu through a voice vote.
The faction also announced the dissolution of the existing NWC and immediately unveiled a new set of national officers.
The newly appointed executives are Kingsley Oggah as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Abdulkadir Bashir as National Chairman, Johnny Derek as National Secretary, Kennedy Odion as National Treasurer, Amirigoye as National Financial Secretary, Dr Chris Ugwu as National Legal Adviser, alongside a National Publicity Secretary.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s structure from eight to twelve divisions—a landmark move to enhance the country’s security architecture and improve the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.
In a statement, Special Adviser to the President on (Information & Strategy) Bayo Onanuga says, “this approval underscores the President’s unwavering commitment to equipping the Armed Forces to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges effectively and to strengthen national defence capabilities further.”According to the statement, “the expansion builds on the Administration’s sustained investments in the Armed Forces, including approval for the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, acquisition of critical military platforms and equipment, improvements in troop welfare, and ongoing support for operational readiness and force modernisation.”Under the new structure, the Nigerian Army will operate twelve divisions, strategically positioned across the country as follows:1. 1 Division Headquarters – Kaduna (Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States)2. 2 Division Headquarters – Ibadan (Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States)3. 3 Division Headquarters – Jos (Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States)4. 5 Division Headquarters – Makurdi (Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States)5. 6 Division Headquarters – Port Harcourt (Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States)6. 7 Division Headquarters – Maiduguri (Borno and Yobe States)7. 8 Division Headquarters – Sokoto (Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States)8. 9 Division Headquarters – Ilorin (Kwara and Niger States)9. 10 Division Headquarters – Jalingo (Taraba and Adamawa States)10. 81 Division Headquarters – Lagos (Lagos and Ogun States)11. 82 Division Headquarters – Enugu (Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States)12. 83 Division Headquarters – Benin City (Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States).The establishment of the new Divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City will significantly improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, improve counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure faster military response to emerging threats nationwide.Implementation of the new force structure will be done in two phases.
The Ndigbo Unity Forum (NUF) worldwide, a pan-Igbo socioeconomic pressure group, has urged the Federal Government to direct the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) to supply Dangote Petroleum Refinery adequate crude.
The Chairman of NUF, Chief Augustine Chukwudum, made the call on Wednesday in Enugu while reacting to Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s move to start direct sales of refined Petroleum products in dollars.
It would be recalled that a top management official of the Dangote Group said that its refinery was receiving just four million barrels of crude oil monthly under the arrangement, instead of about 13 million barrels envisaged after President Bola Tinubu’s 2024 directive.
The refinery had attributed its decision to switch from naira-denominated fuel sales domestically to dollar transactions to the crude supply shortfall, saying it would also increase exports of refined petroleum products to earn foreign exchange.
Chukwudum called on the Federal Government to intervene urgently before things get out of hand and Nigerians suffer the more.
According to him, fuel price remains major determinant of prices of other commodities and services in the country as transport cost depends on.
“Things are bound to get worst if the Federal Government neglect to take immediate and decisive actions meant to better the life of the citizens.
“NUF is rasing this alarm because this administration is behaving as if they are not answerable to the people their are supposed to be serving.
“The Federal Government should direct NNPCL to supply all the crude oil needed by Dangote Refinery since the company has the capacity to meet local or domestic petroleum needs of the country.
“The government must stop all forms of fuel importation because that money been used for importation is a waste and put a pressure on our fragile foreign reserve as a nation,” he said.
The NUF boss noted that the refinery company must be allowed to pay in naira with this move, suffering of citizens would be curtailed.
Chukwudum also reiterated the call of the group for the Federal Government to set up judicial panel of inquiry to look into the account of NNPCL for some years now.
A commotion reportedly erupted at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Onitsha South Local Government Area of Anambra State after some officials were accused of demanding ₦2,000 from applicants before processing voter registration and Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
The allegation surfaced in a video circulating on social media, which showed what appeared to be a heated confrontation between applicants and officials at the electoral commission’s office.
According to a resident who narrated the incident in the video, some INEC officials allegedly insisted that applicants pay ₦2,000 before their voter registration or PVC processing could be completed.
The situation reportedly escalated when one of the applicants challenged the alleged demand, insisting that voter registration and PVC-related services are free and should not attract any payment.
The applicant was said to have confronted the officials and attempted to record the exchange with a mobile phone, triggering a heated argument that attracted other applicants and bystanders.
Although raised voices and a commotion could be heard in the footage, the circumstances surrounding the incident could not be independently verified.
The video has since sparked reactions on social media, with many Nigerians condemning the alleged extortion and calling on INEC to investigate the incident and sanction anyone found culpable.
INEC has consistently maintained that voter registration services are free of charge. These include fresh registration, collection of PVCs, transfer of voter information, correction of personal details, and replacement of lost or damaged PVCs.
The commission has also repeatedly urged members of the public to report any cases of extortion, bribery or illegal charges involving its permanent or ad hoc staff during voter registration and PVC distribution.
As of the time of filing this report, INEC had not issued an official statement specifically addressing the allegations involving its Onitsha South Local Government Area office.
The incident comes as the electoral commission continues its nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC has also introduced an online self-service platform to enable prospective voters and existing registrants to complete several registration-related processes conveniently, while reiterating that voter registration services remain free of charge.
MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited (MEDL) has restored power supply to parts of Enugu metropolis, which witnessed darkness.
Some parts of Enugu metropolis, under the Band A tariff regime, during the weekend witnessed three consecutive days of blackout.
The Head, Communications of MainPower, Mr Emeka Ezeh, disclosed this in a statement he issued on Tuesday in Enugu.
According to him, MainPower wishes to inform its esteemed customers that power supply to the Gariki Injection Substation was successfully restored on Monday, July 20, at about 8:30p.m.
“This is following the successful resolution of a major fault involving the indoor 11kV breaker at the station.
“The fault, which occurred on Friday, July 17, affected electricity supply to customers served by the Army and Gariki 11kV feeders.
“Consequently, normal electricity supply has now been restored to all affected areas,” he said.
Ezeh appreciated residents and customers for their patience, understanding and cooperation throughout the outage.
He noted that the company remained committed to delivering safe, reliable, and improved electricity services to its customers and residents of the state.
It would be recalled that MainPower, which is a subsidiary of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), is in-charge of electricity distribution in Enugu State.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
Four herders and several cattle were killed on Tuesday when suspected gunmen attacked a cattle camp in Ifite Awka Community, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The incident has sparked concern in Awka, the state capital, as the attackers reportedly invaded the settlement and opened fire on the herders before fleeing the scene.
The attack has also prompted the leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) to appeal for calm among its members, expressing confidence that the perpetrators would be apprehended and brought to justice.
In a statement, the National Deputy Director-General of MACBAN, Gidado Siddiki, said the four deceased herders were members of the same family.
According to him, the incident occurred at the cattle camp of Alhaji Aminu Mohammed on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.
He said, “According to reports, unknown armed assailants invaded the cattle camp while the herders were peacefully engaged in their legitimate cattle-rearing activities.
“The attackers opened fire sporadically, resulting in the deaths of four herders, namely Mohammed Bujumi, Hassan Bujumi, Abubakar Bujumi and Sani Bujumi.
“Several cattle were also killed during the attack, while the assailants reportedly fled with some of the cattle carcasses towards the nearby Mgbakwu Community.”
Siddiki added that another herder, identified as Usman Iliyasu, narrowly escaped the attack.
MACBAN condemned the incident as “heinous and senseless,” calling on security agencies to immediately investigate the attack, apprehend those responsible and prosecute them.
The association also urged the Anambra State Government to take urgent steps to strengthen security and protect the lives and property of residents.
While appreciating the prompt intervention of the Joint Task Force and the state government in recovering the bodies of the victims, Siddiki appealed to MACBAN members to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
“We urge everyone to cooperate fully with the security agencies and allow the government to carry out the necessary investigations and take appropriate action to ensure justice is served,” he said.
Confirming the attack, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said a police-led joint security team responded to the scene following a distress call.
He said the operatives discovered the bodies of four male victims who had suffered fatal injuries.
“Preliminary observations revealed that the victims had their hands tied and sustained multiple injuries, including machete cuts and blunt force trauma. Also, two residential huts within the settlement were set ablaze during the attack,” Ikenga said.
The police spokesperson further disclosed that four dead cows were found within the vicinity, while two other cattle had been slaughtered, with portions of their meat removed.
He added that security operatives recovered sacks containing abandoned chunks of meat a short distance from the scene.
According to Ikenga, preliminary findings indicated that the attackers were armed with sophisticated weapons, including AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, double-barrel guns and machetes.
He said one survivor escaped unharmed and was assisting the police-led joint security team with useful information that could aid the investigation.
The Anambra State Police Command urged members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could assist the ongoing investigation.
The Command said further developments would be communicated as the investigation progresses.
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