Tension In ADC As Party Reacts To Amaechi’s Explosive Election Rigging Claims

The party also cautioned against public accusations while the collation of results from its nationwide direct primary was still ongoing.

ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi made this known on Tuesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

He said there was currently no verified evidence to support allegations that the presidential primary was manipulated in favour of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Abdullahi explained that since the collation process had not been completed, it was premature to confirm or dismiss the concerns raised by some aspirants.

According to him, “We currently do not have sufficient evidence to either support or dismiss those claims. Since the results are still being collated, we have not observed any clear pattern that would substantiate such allegations.

“At this stage, we do not have enough information to conclusively say whether the allegations are true or false. We expect to have a clearer picture by the end of the day.”

The ADC held a nationwide direct primary on Monday to select its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.

While official results from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory were yet to be announced, early figures reportedly showed Atiku leading, with Amaechi in second place and Hayatu-Deen in third.

Abdullahi said the party already has both internal and statutory mechanisms in place to handle disputes arising from the exercise, urging dissatisfied aspirants to make use of those channels.

ADC Dismisses Faction Claims

The party spokesman also addressed reports suggesting the existence of a parallel faction within the ADC, stating that the leadership remained unfazed.

He maintained that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognises the current National Working Committee as the legitimate authority overseeing the party’s congresses and primaries.

“The party leadership is not disturbed by the claims. INEC is fully aware of who is conducting the legitimate convention of the African Democratic Congress, and under the law, the genuine organisers are clearly recognised,” he said.

Abdullahi added that INEC officials monitored all stages of the party’s electoral process across the country.

“INEC has attended and monitored all our congresses and primary elections across the 36 states and the FCT. Every stage of the process has been fully documented by INEC officials,” he noted.

He expressed confidence that electoral officials would remain present during the final collation, insisting the party had no concerns about legitimacy or oversight.