Rotimi Amaechi
Former Minister of Transportation and presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rotimi Amaechi, has strongly rejected the outcome of the party’s presidential primary held on Monday, May 25, 2026, describing the results as “concocted” and marred by serious irregularities.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Amaechi alleged widespread voter disenfranchisement across many parts of the country during the nationwide direct primary exercise, which was meant to produce the ADC’s candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
“Following reports of widespread voter disenfranchisement in most parts of the country during the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Primaries yesterday, I unequivocally reject the concocted results being announced,” Amaechi said. “I had initially stated that I will only accept the outcome of the Primaries if the process was free, fair, and transparent, and I stand by my word.”
The former Rivers State Governor emphasized that he would not accept results from a process that failed to reflect the values the ADC pledged to uphold in its bid to rescue Nigerians from impunity and poor governance.
Context of the Primaries:
The ADC conducted direct primaries across wards in Nigeria on Monday, with major contenders including:Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar
Former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi
Economist and former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen
Partial results from several states showed Atiku Abubakar leading in many areas, such as Gombe, Anambra, Kebbi, and others, while Amaechi performed strongly in states like Rivers and Bayelsa.
Amaechi’s rejection comes hours after fellow aspirant Mohammed Hayatu-Deen also withdrew from the process over alleged irregularities.
Reactions and Next Steps:
The ADC has defended the process as a genuine democratic exercise, but reports of high turnout, videos from wards showing inconsistencies, and claims of vote buying and manipulation have fueled controversy as collation continues in Abuja.
Political observers note that this development adds further tension to Nigeria’s opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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