Three prominent political figures have taken an early step toward Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election after obtaining nomination forms from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), signaling intensifying competition within the opposition space.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen have all purchased the party’s expression of interest and nomination forms, each priced at ₦90 million.
The development was confirmed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, who stated that all three aspirants had completed the process. According to him, “the three of them… have obtained the forms,” affirming their official entry into the contest.
The move by the trio is widely seen as an early indicator of the growing political realignment ahead of the next general election. The African Democratic Congress has increasingly positioned itself as a platform for opposition figures seeking to challenge the ruling establishment.
With the sale of forms scheduled within a limited window, the party appears to be accelerating preparations for what is expected to be a highly competitive primary season.
Among the aspirants, Hayatu-Deen has already begun setting the tone for his campaign. After receiving his nomination documents, he emphasized the need for a shift in focus toward critical national issues.
He said the 2027 election should go beyond traditional politics and instead address pressing concerns such as insecurity, unemployment, and the rising cost of living.
In his words, the election must focus on “how to secure communities, rebuild the economy, create jobs, and make life more affordable for Nigerians.”
Amaechi’s entry adds further weight to the race, given his experience as a former governor and federal minister. His participation underscores a growing interest among established political actors in the ADC platform.
Similarly, Atiku’s involvement signals a continuation of his long-standing presidential ambitions and reinforces his influence within Nigeria’s opposition landscape. His move is expected to energize supporters and potentially reshape alliances ahead of the primaries.
Founded in 2005, the ADC has evolved into a key player in Nigeria’s political arena, especially amid ongoing coalition efforts among opposition leaders. The party has attracted attention as a potential unifying platform capable of mounting a strong challenge in 2027.
With multiple high-profile aspirants already in the race, analysts believe the party’s primaries could become one of the most closely watched political contests in the lead-up to the general election.
As more aspirants are expected to join the race, attention will shift to campaign strategies, coalition-building, and policy debates. The emergence of heavyweight contenders within the ADC suggests that the battle for its presidential ticket may be as significant as the general election itself.
For now, the acquisition of nomination forms by Atiku, Amaechi, and Hayatu-Deen marks a defining moment in the early stages of Nigeria’s 2027 political contest.
