By Our Correspondent

National News – The African Democratic Congress is set to begin its presidential primary today as party members across Nigeria vote to select the opposition candidate expected to challenge incumbent President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

The exercise will take place in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory through the direct primary system after efforts to adopt a consensus arrangement failed.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen are the three aspirants contesting for the ADC presidential ticket.

Party leaders confirmed that the direct primary method was adopted in line with the Electoral Act 2026 after none of the aspirants agreed to step down.

Atiku enters the race with decades of political experience, a nationwide structure, and strong alliances within the opposition coalition.

Supporters believe his popularity, financial strength, and political network place him ahead of other contenders.

However, critics argue that younger politicians should now take centre stage in Nigerian politics.

Amaechi is also considered a major contender due to his record as former Rivers State governor and transportation minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

His supporters are promoting him as a southern candidate capable of retaining power in the region while rebuilding public trust in governance and infrastructure development.

Hayatu-Deen, a former banking executive, is campaigning on economic reforms, youth employment, and institutional discipline.

The economist recently secured endorsement from ADC stakeholders in the South-West, who described him as a competent leader capable of addressing Nigeria’s economic hardship and insecurity challenges.

Meanwhile, the ADC crisis deepened on Sunday after a faction loyal to Dumebi Kachikwu dissolved the party’s National Working Committee and declared him its sole presidential candidate during a parallel convention in Abuja.