ADC Consensus Talks Stall As Atiku, Amaechi, Hayatu-Deen Remain Divided

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has postponed its presidential screening exercise until Wednesday after party leaders failed to agree on a consensus candidate ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Reports indicated that consultations among key stakeholders were still ongoing as the party struggled to settle on a preferred candidate among former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.

Sources within the party disclosed that the delay was intended to allow more time for negotiations and prevent internal divisions from escalating before the presidential primary.

A party insider confirmed that the screening exercise, originally scheduled for Monday, had been moved to Wednesday due to unresolved disagreements over the consensus arrangement.

According to another source, uncertainty is also beginning to surround the party’s presidential primary slated for May 25, with concerns over funding and disagreements among stakeholders complicating preparations.

The source alleged that the party was facing financial difficulties while internal resistance over the proposed consensus arrangement had further deepened tensions.

Earlier on Saturday, the ADC announced the postponement of its screening exercise for presidential and governorship aspirants. The exercise, initially planned for the weekend, had first been shifted to Monday, May 18, before the latest adjustment.

In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC explained that some screenings involving federal legislative aspirants from parts of Northern Nigeria would now take place in Abuja due to security concerns.

The statement added that all affected aspirants would be informed of the revised schedule and other necessary details.

The party had previously released its timetable for the 2027 primary elections alongside approved nomination fees for aspirants seeking elective positions.

According to the timetable, sales of nomination forms were scheduled for May 5 to May 10, while submission of completed forms was fixed for May 11 to May 13.

Screening exercises were initially expected to hold between May 14 and May 15, with results scheduled for publication on May 17. Appeals were planned for May 18 and May 19, while the final list of cleared aspirants was expected on May 20.

The ADC also scheduled primaries for State Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives, and Senate seats to begin on May 21, while governorship primaries are expected to hold on May 22. The presidential primary remains fixed for May 25 unless further changes are announced.