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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.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has declared the All Progressives Congress candidate, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the winner of the Ekiti State governorship election held on Saturday.
The governor was re-elected after polling 319,224 votes over his closest rivals in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, Olumayokun Oluyede and African Democratic Congress, Dare Bejide, across the state’s 16 local governments.
The Returning Officer for the election, Prof Adenike Oladiji, who is the Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Technology, Akure, announced the results in the early hours of Sunday at the INEC’s headquarters on Iyin Road in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
Oladiji said, “Therefore, I, Adenike, am the returning officer for the 2026 Ekiti governorship election…Oyebanji Abiodun Abayomi, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and stands re-elected.”
While the APC polled 319,224 votes, the PDP candidate polled 40, 533 votes, and the ADC candidate amassed 12,872 votes.
There are 988,251 registered voters, and 384,940 are accredited.
The Labour Party governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, Comrade Chief Eze Oko Splendour, has questioned the whereabouts of the three aircraft reportedly purchased by the Ebonyi State Government and scheduled to arrive in the state in January 2026.
In a statement issued on Friday, Oko expressed concern that nearly six months after the promised arrival date, the aircraft have yet to be delivered, urging the government to provide explanations to the people of the state.
According to him, Ebonyi residents deserve to know the status of the aircraft acquisition and the reasons behind the delay.
“June is almost over, yet the aircraft are nowhere to be seen. Every concerned Ebonyi citizen should be asking questions about what is holding back their arrival,” he stated.
The Labour Party chieftain argued that the funds reportedly committed to the aircraft purchase could have been invested in industrial development and job creation, which he said would have a more direct impact on tackling unemployment in the state.
He further stressed the need for transparency and accountability in the management of public resources, describing state funds as the collective patrimony of the people.
Oko called on the government to clarify the situation surrounding the aircraft acquisition and reassure citizens that public resources are being utilized in their best interest.
He concluded by expressing optimism about the future of the state, saying, “Ebonyi State shall rise again. God is our helper.”
The Ebonyi State Government has yet to officially respond to the concerns raised by the Labour Party governorship candidate.
A coalition of opposition political parties in Enugu State has instituted a suit at the Federal High Court, Enugu Judicial Division, challenging the legality of a directive requiring political parties and candidates to pay N150 million as an advertising permit fee before conducting campaign activities through billboards and posters ahead of the 2026/2027 elections.
The suit, filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and their respective state chairmen, names the Enugu State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency (ENSSAA), its General Manager, Mr. Francis Aninwike, the Enugu State House of Assembly, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), and the Nigeria Police Force as defendants.
According to the originating summons dated June 15, 2026, the plaintiffs are asking the court to determine whether ENSSAA and the Enugu State Government possess the constitutional authority to impose a mandatory N150 million advertising permit fee on political parties and candidates seeking to campaign through billboards during the 2026/2027 general elections.
The opposition parties argue that the regulation of election campaigns falls exclusively within the powers of INEC under the Electoral Act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. They further contend that advertising regulation is a matter reserved for the National Assembly and ARCON, making any state legislation or executive directive on political campaign advertising unconstitutional and beyond the powers of the state authorities.
Among the reliefs sought, the plaintiffs are asking the court to declare the ENSSAA directive unlawful, null and void, set aside the policy, and restrain the agency and the Enugu State Government from enforcing the payment of the N150 million fee. They are also seeking an order compelling the Nigeria Police Force to protect political parties from alleged harassment or intimidation arising from the enforcement of the directive.
The suit was filed by legal practitioner Ike Ozor on behalf of the plaintiffs. The Federal High Court is expected to determine whether the controversial permit requirement violates constitutional provisions governing election campaigns and advertising regulation in Nigeria.
The legal challenge comes amid growing debate over the cost of political campaigning and the role of state agencies in regulating election-related advertisements ahead of the 2027 electoral season.
The financing arrangement for Nigeria’s flagship Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project has received international recognition at the 2026 Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group Annual Meetings in Baku, Azerbaijan, underscoring growing global confidence in the country’s infrastructure development agenda.
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) emerged winner of the ICIEC Most Impactful Project of the Year Award for its role in securing a $626 million Murabaha financing facility for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Development Project.
The award was presented by the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), a member of the IsDB Group and the world’s only Shariah-compliant multilateral insurer.
According to ICIEC, the financing package was supported by its Non-Honouring of Sovereign Financial Obligations (NHSFO) insurance policy, which covered 95 per cent of the financing provided to Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Finance.
The risk mitigation arrangement helped mobilise long-term capital for one of Nigeria’s most ambitious infrastructure projects, expected to significantly improve transportation, facilitate trade, enhance regional connectivity, and stimulate economic growth along the country’s southern corridor.
The recognition comes as the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to push major infrastructure investments aimed at boosting economic productivity and attracting foreign capital.
Speaking on the significance of the award, ICIEC Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, described the Lagos-Calabar financing transaction as a landmark achievement that demonstrates the power of innovative Islamic finance and strategic partnerships in supporting development.
“ICIEC is proud to honour First Abu Dhabi Bank, Standard Chartered, and Agrobank for two landmark transactions that demonstrate the impact of Shariah-compliant risk mitigation,” Khalafalla said.
“These awards reflect how strong partnerships can mobilise capital, enable strategic infrastructure, expand access to trade finance, and deliver meaningful development impact across our member states.”
Khalafalla noted that ICIEC’s support for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway highlighted its growing role in de-risking investments and encouraging private-sector participation in large-scale infrastructure projects across member countries.
The event also recognised Standard Chartered Bank, which won the Most Innovative Trade Development Initiative of the Year Award for a €160 million Murabaha facility provided to Agrobank in Uzbekistan under ICIEC’s insurance cover.
The transaction marked Uzbekistan’s first Murabaha financing deal and established a Shariah-compliant framework for future trade and liquidity financing in the country.
Beyond the awards ceremony, policymakers, development finance experts, and representatives of multilateral institutions from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East gathered to discuss strategies for deepening regional integration and fostering sustainable economic growth.
During a high-level forum themed “Regional Integration for Sustainable Prosperity,” speakers emphasised the importance of cross-border infrastructure, trade facilitation, regulatory harmonisation, digital transformation, and stronger institutional cooperation as key drivers of economic resilience.
Experts from the IsDB, the World Bank, the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) highlighted the need for stronger regional partnerships to address common challenges, including supply-chain disruptions, economic uncertainty, and climate-related risks.
Participants also examined the findings of the IsDB Regional Integration Index, which provides member countries with analytical tools to guide policy decisions, prioritise investments, and strengthen regional cooperation frameworks.
ICIEC disclosed that it has insured more than $138 billion in trade and investment transactions since commencing operations in 1994. The corporation currently serves 51 member states and maintains one of the highest credit ratings in the political risk insurance industry, including an Aa3 rating from Moody’s and an AA- rating from S&P Global Ratings.
The international recognition of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway financing is expected to further strengthen investor confidence in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector and reinforce efforts to attract sustainable financing for critical development projects.
A legal practitioner, Barrister Chinedu Ifeanyi Iloeje, has publicly declared that a man previously believed to be his son is not biologically related to him, following the outcome of a DNA test.
In a public notice published in a newspaper, Iloeje stated that he was allegedly misled by the man’s mother into believing that the individual, identified as Chinedu Francis Iloeje, was his biological son.
According to the notice, DNA testing conducted on the matter established “beyond any doubt” that the man is not his son. The lawyer further clarified that he never legally adopted the individual, despite the latter bearing the name Chinedu Francis Iloeje.
Disclaimer
Barrister Iloeje explained that the man’s original name is Chinedu Francis Onwualu and stressed that he has no legal or biological relationship with him.
The notice also informed members of the public, the Greater Iloeje Family, the Umuodu Village Union, Uwani Amokwe Town Union, St. Theresa’s Catholic Church Amokwe, Udi Local Government Council, and other stakeholders of his declaration.
He stated that the disclaimer was made in good faith and while of sound mind, urging the public to take note of the clarification.
The publication has sparked discussions on paternity disputes and the increasing reliance on DNA testing to resolve questions of biological parentage.
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