Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has met behind closed doors with fellow African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential aspirant Mohammed Hayatu-Deen in Lagos as part of ongoing efforts to reunite the party following its controversial presidential primary.
Gatekeepers News reports that ghe meeting came days after Atiku emerged as the ADC’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election, defeating Hayatu-Deen and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi in the party’s primary contest. Both Hayatu-Deen and Amaechi had rejected the outcome of the exercise, alleging irregularities and manipulation during the voting process.
Sources familiar with the meeting said the discussions were aimed at reconciling aggrieved members and strengthening unity within the ADC ahead of the 2027 general election. The talks were held at Atiku’s Lagos residence and formed part of wider consultations by the former vice president after securing the party’s ticket.
Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, Atiku said: “Our discussions on the state of our nation and party were frank and productive.” He added that both men had “resolved to work together in the challenging task of reclaiming and rebuilding our beloved country.”
The reconciliation move follows Atiku’s recent meeting with Amaechi, another contender in the primary, as he seeks to calm tensions generated by the disputed contest.
According to his camp, the post-primary engagements are focused on unity, inclusiveness and strengthening the ADC as it positions itself ahead of the next presidential election.
Before the official declaration of the primary results, Hayatu-Deen had withdrawn from the race, citing alleged electoral malpractice. He said at the time, “I am concerned by reports from across the country of widespread vote rigging.” Despite the protest, the party proceeded with the announcement and declared Atiku winner of the contest.
The ADC leadership has maintained that the primary was free and fair, although party officials acknowledged that no electoral process is entirely without challenges.
The latest reconciliation efforts are seen as part of attempts to prevent internal divisions from affecting the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections.
