2027: Atiku Abubakar Clears ADC Presidential Screening as Coalition Talks Deepen

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Wednesday successfully underwent the presidential screening exercise of the African Democratic Congress ahead of the party’s 2027 presidential primaries, reinforcing his position as a major figure in the unfolding opposition realignments.

The screening, which took place behind closed doors at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, was conducted by a panel led by former Cross River State governor Liyel Imoke, with Cyril Maduabum serving as secretary.

Atiku arrived at the venue at about 12:06 p.m. and later confirmed to journalists that the exercise was successful.

“The screening went well,” the former vice president said briefly after meeting with the panel.

Atiku’s participation in the process comes at a crucial moment as consultations and coalition discussions intensify within opposition circles ahead of the 2027 general election.

Having contested for the presidency several times since 1993, Atiku remains one of Nigeria’s most experienced and influential opposition politicians, with many party stakeholders viewing his entry into the ADC race as a major boost for the party’s national profile.

Earlier in the day, former Managing Director of FSB International Bank, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, also appeared before the screening committee.

Speaking after his screening, Hayatu-Deen expressed confidence in the process and said he was prepared for either a consensus arrangement or direct primary.

He pledged to run a disciplined and issue-based campaign focused on tackling insecurity, unemployment, high living costs, poor infrastructure, and challenges in the education and health sectors if eventually chosen as the party’s flag bearer.

The former banker also stated that he had long prepared for the contest and was ready for any outcome of the party’s candidate selection process.

Meanwhile, former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, was still being awaited at the venue as of the time the exercise was ongoing.

The ADC is expected to conclude its screening process before making a final decision on whether to adopt a consensus candidate or conduct direct primaries for its 2027 presidential ticket.