Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi has emerged as the preferred presidential flag bearer of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ebonyi State following a direct primary election held across all 171 political wards in the state. The election, conducted on May 25, 2026, saw Amaechi secure 6,050 votes, defeating former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who polled 1,210 votes, and Muhammad Hayatudeen, who received 4,840 votes. The results were announced by Bassey Edogi Imoke, Coordinator of Electoral Matters and Returning Officer, who declared Amaechi the winner after a peaceful and transparent process.
A total of 12,641 delegates were registered for the exercise, with 12,100 accredited and participating. All votes cast were valid, and the election was conducted through a secret ballot system, ensuring fairness and inclusivity. Imoke emphasized that the primary was held simultaneously across all wards, marking a significant shift from previous methods where delegates gathered at a single venue. This new approach, according to party officials, was designed to promote peace and ensure equal participation.
Dr. Mrs. Jennifer Adibe-Nwafor, Ebonyi State Chairman of the ADC, confirmed that the primary commenced peacefully without any reports of violence or irregularities. She noted that the simultaneous conduct of the primary across all ADC states was a strategic move to enhance credibility and inclusiveness. “We have three presidential aspirants — Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and Hayatuddeen Mohammed — and members were expected to choose the best through a secret ballot,” she said. She praised the party members for their disciplined conduct and reiterated that no delegate was coerced into voting for any candidate.
Adibe-Nwafor further commended the electoral process, describing it as free, fair, and credible. She highlighted that all aspirants were given equal opportunity to present their cases and that the election upheld the party’s democratic principles. Paschal Okafor, Chairman of the Primary Election Committee, echoed these sentiments, calling the exercise peaceful, transparent, and credible. He congratulated ADC members for maintaining a harmonious atmosphere throughout the voting process.
It is worth noting that another faction of the ADC has separately announced Atiku Abubakar as the winner of the presidential primary in Ebonyi State, indicating a possible internal division within the party. Despite this, the faction that conducted the direct primary in all 171 wards has officially declared Amaechi as their candidate for the 2027 general election. The outcome underscores the growing importance of direct primaries in Nigerian politics and sets the stage for further developments as the party prepares for national elections.
Leave a Comment