The former Governor of Rivers State and presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rotimi Amechi , has insisted that the party must conduct a transparent direct primary election to determine its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election amid growing reports of an alleged plan to adopt former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar as consensus candidate.
Amaechi’s position followed widespread reports that he angrily walked out of a closed-door meeting held at the Abuja residence of former Senate President, Senator David Mark.
A video which circulated on social media on Tuesday, 19th May, 2026 showed the former Minister of Transportation hurriedly leaving the residence before driving away in his vehicle.
Sources familiar with the meeting alleged that tensions rose after Amaechi was informed that influential stakeholders within the ADC had concluded arrangements to adopt Atiku Abubakar as the party’s consensus presidential choice ahead of the 2027 elections.
Reacting during a political podcast hosted by Daily Trust, the former Speaker of Rivers’ State of Assembly maintained that the party should not impose any aspirant on members but rather allow a democratic process to determine its flagbearer.
According to him, since Atiku has consistently opposed the zoning of the presidency between the North and South, the most acceptable option would be for all aspirants to participate in a direct primary election in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
Amaechi argued that only a transparent electoral process would guarantee fairness, credibility and internal unity within the party.
He warned against any arrangement capable of creating the impression that the presidential ticket had already been predetermined by a few party leaders.
Also in the race for the ADC presidential ticket is businessman and politician, Muhammad Hayatu-Deen , who has similarly called for an open and transparent primary election.
The unfolding development is expected to heighten political tensions within the ADC as consultations and alignments ahead of the 2027 presidential election continue to gather momentum.
