Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called on former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen to “close ranks with the rest of us” following his emergence as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Atiku made the appeal in a post on his X handle, urging aggrieved aspirants and party members to unite ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“I, therefore, appeal to all those who feel aggrieved to come back to our party and close ranks with the rest of us. I appeal to all those who contested for various positions in our primaries to close ranks with us.
“In particular, I invite Chief Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and Alhaji Mohammed Hayatu-Deen to join me in this fight to save our democracy and our country.
“As I said previously, there are no winners and no losers. Our people look up to us for leadership. I am ready to lead. I shall work with you all to continue to build our party. I will campaign with you and, if Nigerians give us the mandate, govern with you to build a country that works for all,” he said.
Atiku, who emerged as the ADC presidential candidate after defeating Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen at the party’s primary election, polled 1,846,370 votes. Amaechi secured 504,117 votes, while Hayatu-Deen scored 177,120 votes.
He also said he would personally reach out to the aggrieved aspirants to seek their support ahead of the 2027 polls.
“I will personally visit Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen and appeal to them to support me,” Atiku said.
According to him, unity within the party remains essential for strengthening its chances in the next general election.
“We are bringing experience and credibility because most of us who are leading this party have been in government before,” he added.
Meanwhile, reports have emerged of discontent within the ADC in Gombe State, where some aggrieved members and aspirants have alleged exclusion and manipulation during the party’s recent primary elections.
