Amaechi camp rejects ADC presidential primary in Imo, demands fresh election

Supporters of former Rivers State Governor and presidential aspirant, Rotimi Amaechi, in Imo State have rejected the outcome of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary, describing the exercise as a “sham” and lacking credibility.

The aggrieved camp alleged irregularities in the conduct of the primary and called on the party leadership to organise a fresh and transparent election process. The protest comes amid growing tensions within the ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Amaechi is one of the leading contenders for the ADC presidential ticket alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen. The party conducted its nationwide direct primary across the country on May 25, 2026, using the Option A4 voting method.

According to members of the Amaechi camp in Imo, the primary process in parts of the state did not reflect the will of party members, alleging that some officials manipulated the exercise in favour of rival aspirants.

The development follows earlier disagreements within the ADC over plans to adopt a consensus presidential candidate. Reports had indicated that consultations among party leaders failed to produce an agreement among the major contenders.

Party stakeholders loyal to Amaechi insisted that internal democracy must be respected to preserve the credibility of the opposition party ahead of the 2027 elections.

Meanwhile, different factions of the ADC in some states have reportedly announced conflicting results from the presidential primary, further highlighting divisions within the party. In Ebonyi State, rival factions separately declared Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi winners of the exercise.

The ADC leadership is yet to issue a comprehensive response to the complaints raised by Amaechi’s supporters in Imo State as collation of results from across the country continues.