PHOTOS: Atiku Pays Visit to Amaechi Following ADC Presidential Primary

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar paid a visit to former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi at his Abuja residence on Thursday, shortly after winning the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary.

Atiku was accompanied by former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, and other party leaders during the visit.

The meeting took place amid ongoing reactions to the outcome of the ADC presidential primary, where Atiku emerged as the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 general election. The results, announced Wednesday night at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, saw Atiku defeat Amaechi and former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.

Official figures released by the party showed Atiku secured 1,846,370 votes, while Amaechi garnered 504,117 votes, and Hayatu-Deen received 177,120 votes.

Following the announcement of the results, the party leadership—led by former Senate President David Mark—presented Atiku with the ADC flag in recognition of his victory.

The ADC opted for a direct primary after all three aspirants rejected calls for a consensus candidate.

In his post-election remarks, Atiku urged all party members, including aggrieved aspirants, to unite in preparation for the 2027 general election. He specifically appealed to Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen to join his campaign, emphasizing the importance of unity.

I therefore appeal to all those who feel aggrieved to come back to our party and close ranks with the rest of us, Atiku said. 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.

He stressed that the outcome should not divide the party, adding, There are no winners and no losers. Our people look up to us for leadership, and I am ready to lead.

Atiku also pledged to work closely with all stakeholders to strengthen the ADC ahead of the 2027 polls.

However, both Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen reportedly rejected the results, alleging irregularities in the voting process. Hayatu-Deen also declined to attend the official announcement.

As of the time of this report, details of the closed-door meeting between Atiku and Amaechi had not been disclosed.