Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, on Sunday held a reconciliation meeting with his former rival, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, at his residence in Lagos following tensions arising from the party’s presidential primary. The reconciliation meeting was part of ongoing efforts to unite aggrieved aspirants after the recently concluded ADC primary ahead of the 2027 general election.
The engagement has drawn attention within the party due to its timing and political context. The reconciliation meeting comes as part of broader attempts to stabilize internal party relations after a contested primary process. Party sources say discussions are aimed at strengthening unity among key stakeholders.
The African Democratic Congress recently concluded its presidential primary ahead of the 2027 general election, an exercise that produced internal disagreements among some aspirants. Atiku Abubakar emerged as the party’s presidential flag bearer after the contest, which also featured former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.
The primary has since generated mixed reactions from participants, with some expressing concerns over the conduct of the exercise and its outcome. Within this context, party leaders have initiated reconciliation efforts aimed at managing post-primary tensions and strengthening internal cohesion ahead of the general election. The reconciliation meeting in Lagos forms part of these ongoing engagements.
Sources, according to Channels Television, confirmed that Atiku Abubakar and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen met behind closed doors at Atiku’s residence in Lagos.
The reconciliation meeting was linked to broader efforts within the ADC to address grievances among aspirants following the presidential primary. Hayatu-Deen had earlier withdrawn from the contest before the official announcement of results. He cited alleged electoral irregularities and vote manipulation as reasons for his withdrawal.
In his statement, he said: “I will not be attending the announcement of the ADC Presidential Election Results today. I am concerned by reports from across the country of widespread vote rigging, some of which I myself observed, and will therefore be taking advice on my next steps.”
Despite his withdrawal, the party proceeded with the declaration of results, where Atiku Abubakar was announced winner with 1,846,370 votes. Rotimi Amaechi came second with 504,117 votes, while Hayatu-Deen polled 177,120 votes. Amaechi also rejected the outcome, describing the exercise as “concocted” and alleging widespread disenfranchisement during the primary.
Since emerging as the party’s candidate, Atiku has intensified reconciliation efforts within the ADC, including previous engagements with Amaechi aimed at resolving internal divisions. The reconciliation meeting with Hayatu-Deen is the latest in these series of engagements.
The reconciliation meeting highlights ongoing efforts within the ADC to manage internal disagreements following a contested primary process. Such engagements are seen as important for rebuilding trust among aspirants and ensuring unity ahead of the 2027 general election.
Party leadership, including ADC National Chairman Senator David Mark, has previously defended the conduct of the primary, describing it as largely free and fair despite minor challenges. He also noted that while all aspirants were qualified to lead the party, only one candidate could emerge as flag bearer. The continued reconciliation efforts may play a role in shaping internal cohesion as the party prepares for the national elections.
