ADC screens Atiku, Hayatu-Deen for presidency

The African Democratic Congress has continued preparations for the 2027 presidential election after screening two leading aspirants seeking the party’s ticket. The exercise was supervised by a panel headed by former Cross River State governor Liyel Imoke, while Cyril Maduabum served as secretary of the committee.

Mohammed Hayatu-Deen arrived first at the venue and spent about an hour before the screening panel. The former banker later expressed confidence in the process and stated that he was ready for any method the party might adopt in selecting its presidential candidate, whether through consensus or direct primaries.

Hayatu-Deen also spoke about the direction he intends to pursue if he eventually secures the ADC ticket. He pointed to the country’s security challenges, economic hardship, unemployment, poor infrastructure and struggles within the health and education sectors as areas requiring urgent attention.

He further stated that he entered the presidential race after careful preparation and believed he was ready for the political process ahead. According to him, contesting for the presidency requires planning, commitment and personal credibility.

Shortly after Hayatu-Deen completed his appearance before the panel, Atiku arrived for his own screening session. The former vice president later confirmed briefly that the process went smoothly.

Atiku remains one of the country’s best-known opposition figures, having contested for the presidency several times since the early 1990s. His move to seek the ADC presidential ticket comes at a period of political realignment and ongoing coalition talks among opposition politicians ahead of the 2027 election.

As the screening exercise continued, former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi was still being expected at the venue for his own appearance before the panel.

The ADC is expected to conclude the screening process before deciding whether to settle for consensus arrangements or conduct direct primaries to choose its presidential candidate for the next general election.