Presidential primary: ADC returning officers arrive Abuja for result collation

Returning Officers for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary election have gathered at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja for the crucial collation and declaration of results. This marks the final stage of a nationwide primary election that commenced on Monday across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The contest for the ADC's 2027 presidential ticket features prominent opposition figures: former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen. The primary has garnered significant attention within opposition circles as parties strategize and form potential coalitions ahead of the 2027 general elections. Despite earlier speculation about a consensus candidate, all three aspirants insisted on testing their popularity through the ballot.

However, the process has been marred by controversy. Mohammed Hayatu-Deen announced he would boycott the final declaration ceremony, citing reports of widespread vote rigging. Despite this withdrawal and allegations of irregularities, ADC party leaders maintain that the primary process remains credible and transparent. Final collation is expected to continue throughout Tuesday.

Officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are scheduled to monitor the exercise, with designated seats reserved for observers and commission representatives within the collation hall. The primary is considered a significant internal contest for the ADC, poised to influence the party's strategy for the 2027 presidential election and its position in the opposition landscape.

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Our correspondent at the venue observed that Returning Officers from Abia, Akwa Ibom and Kebbi states had already arrived to submit and present results from their respective states.