Returning Officers participating in the presidential primary election of the African Democratic Congress have started arriving at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja for the collation and official announcement of results for the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.
The gathering marks the concluding phase of the nationwide primary election conducted across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Party officials are expected to complete the collation exercise later on Tuesday before formally declaring the winner of the highly anticipated contest.
Among those battling for the ADC presidential ticket are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and economist as well as former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.
The primary election has attracted significant political attention, especially within opposition circles, as consultations and strategic alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to intensify.
Before the adoption of the direct primary method, there had been growing speculation that the party might settle for a consensus candidate. However, the leading aspirants rejected the proposal and insisted on allowing party members to decide through voting.
Reports from the collation venue indicate that Returning Officers from states including Abia, Akwa Ibom, and Kebbi had already arrived to submit their state results.
Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission are also expected to oversee the process, with dedicated seats reportedly reserved for electoral observers and commission representatives inside the hall.
The atmosphere around the venue remained orderly as delegates, journalists, security personnel, and party officials continued to move around the conference area ahead of the official declaration.
The presidential primary is widely regarded as one of the most significant internal contests in the party’s recent history and is expected to play a major role in shaping the ADC’s political direction ahead of 2027.
However, the exercise has not been without controversy. One of the aspirants, Hayatu-Deen, announced his decision to boycott the final declaration process, alleging widespread irregularities and vote manipulation in parts of the primary exercise.
Despite the allegations, party leaders have maintained that the process remains transparent, credible, and in line with democratic principles, insisting that the final collation will continue as scheduled.
More updates are expected as the process progresses.
- Dirisu Yakubu/ punchng
- Punchng