Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Thursday visited former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi at his Abuja residence, less than 24 hours after the conclusion of the African Democratic Congress presidential primary.
The closed-door meeting followed growing reactions within the party after Atiku emerged as the ADC presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
Atiku was accompanied by former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu and other party stakeholders.
Although details of the discussions were not disclosed, the meeting came amid efforts to calm tensions within the party following complaints raised by some aspirants over the conduct of the primary.
The ADC had on Wednesday night declared Atiku winner of the contest held at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton Abuja.
Official results released by the party showed Atiku polling 1,846,370 votes to defeat Amaechi, who secured 504,117 votes, while former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen scored 177,120 votes.
The party leadership, headed by former Senate President David Mark, later presented the party’s presidential flag to Atiku after the declaration of the results.
The ADC adopted the direct primary system for the exercise after the three aspirants reportedly rejected attempts to produce a consensus candidate ahead of the election.
Following his victory, Atiku appealed to dissatisfied members to remain united and work for the party’s success ahead of the 2027 elections.
“I therefore appeal to all those who feel aggrieved to come back to our party and close ranks with the rest of us,” he said.
The former vice president also extended a direct appeal to Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen to support his candidacy.
“In particular, I invite Chief Rotimi Amaechi and Alhaji Muhammad Hayatu-Deen to join me in this fight to save our democracy and our country,” Atiku stated.
“As I said previously, there are no winners and no losers. Our people look up to us for leadership, and I am ready to lead.”
He further pledged to work with all stakeholders to strengthen the opposition party ahead of the next general election.
“I shall work with you all to continue to build our party. I will campaign with you and, if Nigeria’s leaders demand it, govern with you to build a country that works for all of us,” he added.
However, Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen reportedly rejected the outcome of the primary, alleging irregularities in the process.
Hayatu-Deen was absent during the official announcement of the results.
