Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi have both participated in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary, marking a major escalation in the race for the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.
Atiku announced via his X account that he voted at the Ajiya Ward Polling Unit in Jimeta, Yola, Adamawa State, describing the exercise as “democracy at work” and a step toward “recovering Nigeria.”
Amaechi, on his part, was seen in his hometown of Ubima in Rivers State, where he also took part in the voting process, according to party supporters who shared updates online.
The simultaneous participation of both political heavyweights highlights the growing internal contest within the ADC, where leading opposition figures are positioning themselves for the party’s presidential nomination ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tensions within the party have been rising in recent weeks, with both camps openly exchanging criticisms over electability and past electoral performances.
Amaechi had previously questioned Atiku’s repeated presidential bids, arguing that multiple attempts had not translated into electoral victory at the national level, while Atiku has maintained that his experience remains an advantage.
The ADC primary is being seen as a key test for Nigeria’s opposition coalition, which has increasingly positioned itself as a major challenger to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of 2027.
The outcome of the exercise is expected to shape the direction of the opposition and determine who emerges as the party’s standard bearer in what is shaping up to be a highly competitive election cycle.