ADC Presidential Primaries: Hayatudeen rejects results, alleges ‘massive rigging’

Mohammed Hayatudeen, a presidential aspirant for Nigeria's African Democratic Congress (ADC), has vehemently rejected the party's primary election results, alleging massive vote rigging and irregularities.

In a strongly worded statement on Tuesday, Hayatudeen declared his intention to boycott the official announcement of the winner. He expressed deep disturbance over what he described as a compromised democratic process, stating, “I am deeply disturbed by reports from across the country of widespread vote rigging, some of which I personally witnessed. What was meant to be a democratic process has sadly been reduced to manipulation and coordinated interference.” Hayatudeen added that he would consult with his team and supporters on the next course of action.

The ADC's direct primary on Monday was intended to be a transparent alternative to delegate-based systems, with registered party members voting directly for their preferred candidates. The exercise was monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). However, concerns over alleged manipulation of membership registers and late arrival of materials had emerged even before voting began.

Despite Hayatudeen's rejection, early results from several states showed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar establishing commanding leads, particularly in the North-east and North-west. Reports from Sokoto, Yobe, and Gombe states indicated overwhelming victories for Abubakar. This emerging trend has heightened internal tensions within the ADC, especially among Hayatudeen's supporters, who accused some party leaders of attempting to impose a preferred candidate before the collation concluded. The party has been seeking to position itself as the main opposition platform ahead of the 2027 elections.

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I will not be attending the announcement of the ADC Presidential Election Results today. I am deeply disturbed by reports from across the country of widespread vote rigging, some of which I personally witnessed. What was meant to be a democratic process has sadly been reduced to manipulation and coordinated interference. I will now consult with my team and supporters on the next line of action.