Atiku, Amaechi Obtain ADC Presidential Forms as 2027 Race Intensifies

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi have obtained expression of interest and nomination forms from the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Also joining the race under the ADC platform is businessman and presidential aspirant Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, who officially picked up his form while outlining his vision for economic recovery, security and job creation.

The development signals an early intensification of political activities within opposition circles as parties begin preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Confirming the development on Friday, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said all three aspirants had successfully obtained the party’s presidential forms.

The ADC fixed the cost of its presidential nomination form at N90 million, with the sale period scheduled between May 6 and May 13.

Hayatu-Deen, who received his form from the party’s National Organising Secretary, Chinedu Idigo, said the 2027 election should focus on addressing insecurity, unemployment and the rising cost of living affecting millions of Nigerians.

According to him, widespread hardship and insecurity have deepened frustration among citizens and created urgent demand for leadership capable of stabilising the economy and restoring public confidence.

“Nigerians are tired of living in fear,” he said, stressing that national prosperity cannot be achieved without security and economic stability.

Hayatu-Deen also argued that rebuilding investor confidence, supporting businesses and creating jobs at scale must become central priorities in the next administration.

The entry of Atiku and Amaechi into the ADC primary race further highlights the growing strategic importance of the party amid ongoing political realignments across the opposition.

Atiku, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 election, remains one of the country’s most prominent opposition figures and has consistently maintained interest in national politics.

Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State and former presidential aspirant under the All Progressives Congress, is also regarded as a significant political force, particularly in the South-South region.

Political analysts say the emergence of multiple heavyweight aspirants within the ADC could reshape opposition dynamics ahead of 2027, especially as parties continue coalition talks and membership realignments.

The latest development comes as the Independent National Electoral Commission released its timetable for the 2027 elections.

According to INEC, presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state House of Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027.

The electoral commission also announced that party primaries and related dispute resolution processes would take place between April 23 and May 30, 2026.

Campaign activities for presidential and National Assembly elections are expected to begin on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for governorship and state assembly elections will commence on September 9, 2026.

Observers say the early declaration of ambitions and acquisition of nomination forms indicate that political parties and aspirants are already positioning aggressively for what is expected to be a highly competitive election cycle.