The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has sold its first N100 million presidential expression of interest and nomination form for the 2027 general elections.
Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, a prominent presidential aspirant and the first opponent of former vice president Atiku Abubakar in the ADC primary, picked up the form while pledging to address insecurity, job shortages and ease the burden of the high cost of living for millions of Nigerians.
The Punch reported that the presidential aspirant was the first to receive the form from the ADC National Organising Secretary, Prince Chinedu Idigo. His supporters have described the development as a sign of growing momentum for his candidacy.
Hayatu-Deen's decision was disclosed in a statement by his media team on Friday, May 8, where the presidential aspirant said the forthcoming general elections should be about restoring the economic stability and security of the country.
This is coming barely two weeks after the defection of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso from the ADC to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to actualise their 2027 presidential ambition.
Atiku faulted for mass defection in ADC
There have been insinuations that Atiku would be the one to fly the ADC ticket in 2027, a claim that fueled the defection of Obi, Kwankwaso and many of their supporters from the party.
Ifeanyi Uzokwe, a federal lawmaker, recently accused Atiku of orchestrating their defection from the ADC, saying the former VP declined to drop his 2027 presidential ambition.
Nigerians react as Atiku blamed for defections
Uzokwe's outburst attracted mixed reactions from Nigerians. Below are some of their reactions:
Godwin Oyibode questioned the potential of Atiku to manage a diverse Nigeria: "He has tendencies of a dictator, who has zero regard for superior knowledge and opinions. His disdain for people of the South is an open book. It pegs the question, if a man can't manage a political Party, how can he manage a diverse Country like Nigeria?"
Nicole Hasat knocked former vice president Atiku:
"So "consultation" to the establishment lackeys means kneeling down in Atiku’s living room? Hon. Uzokwe just exposed the truth: ADC was being treated like Atiku’s personal property. Peter Obi isn't a servant to any "Godfather." We move to where the people are free!"
Citizen Gbenga criticised the lawmaker and Peter Obi:
"Lazy and entitled politicians!!! Always begging. Did you guys not consider all possible scenarios before moving into the coalition? Oh, you believed you gbajues can use emotional blackmail to get another citizen to step down for your boss, right? Why is Obi scared of facing Atiku."
Michael argued that the ADC was a trap set by Atiku for Peter Obi:
"I said it, that's why it's ATIKU DEMOCRATIC PARTY ADC...A trap he set for other politicians to fall in and use them as pawns so that Tinubu will win again and rig him in 2031. His nyash go open sotee he will run mad. Wicked souls."
Watch the video of Uzokwe's interview on X here:
We left ADC because His Excellency Atiku Abubakar said that coalition was formed in his house, that ADC is his party, that nobody will tell him anything, says Hon. Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Federal Lawmaker#PoliticsToday pic.twitter.com/wBG1yCAj32
— Channels Television (@channelstv) May 5, 2026
