By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Former Minister of Transportation and presidential aspirant, Rotimi Amaechi, has rejected the outcome of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary election held on Monday, alleging widespread voter disenfranchisement across Nigeria. Amaechi made the announcement on Tuesday through his X handle ahead of the official declaration of results, insisting that the exercise failed to meet the standards of fairness, transparency and internal democracy earlier promised by the party.
ADC Primary Collation Continues in Abuja
The ADC presidential primary collation exercise is currently taking place in Abuja, with results expected from across the country.
Before the nationwide primary, the party urged aspirants, delegates, leaders and members to remain peaceful and preserve party unity throughout the process.
ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the exercise as a defining moment for the party and Nigerians seeking an alternative political platform.
According to Abdullahi, the party remained committed to internal democracy and a transparent leadership selection process.
“The ADC remains proud to stand today as the only truly democratic party because it is the only political party whose choice of presidential candidate is determined through open primaries.”
The party also maintained that members’ conduct during the exercise would reflect the leadership values it seeks to promote.
Amaechi Rejects Results Over Alleged Irregularities
Amaechi said he would not recognise the announced results due to reports of widespread voter exclusion.
“Following reports of widespread voter disenfranchisement in most parts of the country during the African Democratic Congress Presidential Primaries yesterday, I unequivocally reject the concocted results being announced.”
He maintained that he would only accept an outcome produced through a free, fair and transparent process.
According to Amaechi, the primary did not reflect the values the party promoted as an alternative to existing political structures.
Hayatu-Deen Also Withdraws From Contest
Earlier, fellow presidential aspirant, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, withdrew from the exercise over alleged irregularities.
In a statement shared on X, Hayatu-Deen expressed concern over reports of electoral malpractice and claimed to have witnessed some incidents personally.
“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.”
He added that he would seek advice before deciding his next steps.
Allegations of Member Exclusion and Electoral Misconduct
Amaechi further alleged that a significant number of party members could not vote during the exercise.
According to him, such practices contradict the founding principles of the ADC and weaken confidence in internal democracy.
He also accused the party of adopting practices it previously criticised in the ruling All Progressives Congress and Independent National Electoral Commission.
“A party that criticises vote buying and result manipulation cannot engage in similar practices.”
What the Dispute Means for ADC
The objections raised by Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen could increase pressure on the ADC leadership to address concerns surrounding the conduct of the primary and reassure members about the credibility of its internal processes.
