Turmoil in ADC as presidential aspirant plans next step

A presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has said he will not attend the announcement of the party’s presidential primary election results, alleging widespread vote rigging in the exercise.

In a statement posted on his X handle on Tuesday, Hayatu-Deen expressed concern over what he described as reports of electoral irregularities from across the country, adding that he personally witnessed some of the alleged incidents.

“I will not be attending the announcement of the ADC Presidential Election Results today. I am concerned by reports from across the country of widespread vote rigging, some of which I myself observed, and will therefore be taking advice on my next steps,” he stated.

The development comes amid intense competition for the ADC presidential ticket involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Minister of Transportation and ex-Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and Hayatu-Deen.

The ADC presidential primary election collation exercise is expected to take place in Abuja, with results anticipated from across the country.

Ahead of the nationwide presidential primary held on Monday, the African Democratic Congress had called on aspirants, delegates, party leaders, and members to conduct themselves peacefully and uphold party unity.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the exercise as a defining moment for both the party and Nigerians seeking a credible political alternative.

According to Abdullahi, the ADC remained committed to internal democracy and a transparent leadership selection process.

“The ADC remains proud to stand today as the only truly democratic party in Nigeria because it is the only political party whose choice of presidential candidate is determined through open primaries,” he stated.

The party also stressed that the conduct of aspirants and members during the exercise would reflect the leadership culture

it seeks to promote.