The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been embroiled in significant internal controversy following its presidential primary election, with key aspirants and chieftains clashing over the legitimacy and transparency of the process. While former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerged as the declared winner with a substantial lead, his victory has been vehemently rejected by other prominent contenders and party members.

Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, a presidential aspirant and former Minister of Transportation, unequivocally rejected the primary results, describing them as "concocted." Amaechi alleged widespread voter disenfranchisement, claiming that approximately eighty percent of party members were denied the opportunity to vote. He maintained his earlier stance that he would only accept an outcome from a free, fair, and transparent process, asserting that the primary did not reflect the democratic values the ADC pledged to uphold. Amaechi also questioned the party's moral authority to criticize the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for electoral malpractices while allegedly engaging in similar conduct internally, including vote buying and result manipulation.

Similarly, presidential hopeful Muhammad Hayatu-Deen also rejected the outcome, expressing concern over reports of widespread vote rigging from across the country, some of which he claimed to have personally observed. He announced his decision not to attend the official announcement of the results, indicating he would seek further advice on his next steps. Ibrahim Garba Wala, an ADC chieftain, strongly backed Amaechi's rejection, condemning the primary as a "brazen, shameless auction that betrayed every value the ADC promised to uphold" and urged Atiku Abubakar to disassociate himself from the "dirty, concocted primary election results."

However, other prominent figures within the ADC have come to the defense of the primary process. Dele Momodu, a chieftain and veteran journalist, insisted that the primary election was fair. He urged aggrieved aspirants, including Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen, to allow the exercise to be fully concluded before raising concerns, stressing the importance of party unity ahead of the 2027 general election. Momodu dismissed the allegations, stating he personally monitored many states and received feedback indicating the elections were "well conducted, peacefully conducted." He also highlighted Atiku Abubakar's extensive political experience and nationwide network as a significant advantage, referring to him as the "biggest fish in the race." Momodu further criticized the APC's reported membership and voting figures in its own internal processes as unrealistic and exaggerated.

Adding to the defense, Honourable Chille Igbawua, a member of the ADC’s electoral panel and an advisor to the national chairman, urged caution regarding allegations of vote rigging, stating that claims must be substantiated with evidence. While acknowledging general accusations of irregularities, he stressed that a thorough review of results and reported issues was necessary for a proper assessment. Igbawua revealed that reports from 14 states showed Atiku Abubakar leading in overall votes, although Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen had also secured victories in some states. He clarified that the ADC had opted for a direct primary election after efforts to reach a consensus failed, a decision communicated clearly to all contestants in line with the Electoral Act. He explained that voting was conducted at the ward level using existing party registers and documented through videos, dismissing claims of widespread deliberate disenfranchisement, though acknowledging isolated incidents might have occurred.

Igbawua also emphasized that the party had established appeal panels at every stage of the process to review grievances, urging aspirants to utilize these internal dispute-resolution mechanisms. He dismissed suggestions that Peter Obi’s departure from the party was a strategic move, calling it a personal choice. Furthermore, he addressed the emergence of a parallel faction allegedly presenting Dumebi Kachikwu as its presidential candidate, dismissing it as legally unfounded and not recognized by the party's leadership or relevant authorities, citing a court dismissal of Kachikwu's earlier case.

In the broader political context, Momodu praised former President Goodluck Jonathan's courage for his potential return to politics, welcoming any candidate in a democratic contest. He reiterated his strong support for Atiku, describing him as a resilient, experienced politician, a "bridge builder," and a "role model" of tenacity and democratic values. Meanwhile, in a separate development, the African Action Congress (AAC) elected its National Chairman, Omoyele Sowore, as its consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, pledging to provide a credible alternative focused on addressing national challenges without engaging in political coalitions.

The ongoing dispute within the ADC underscores the challenges faced by opposition parties in Nigeria as they prepare for future elections, highlighting internal divisions and calls for greater transparency and adherence to democratic principles.