There was chaos at the national secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Abuja on Thursday as former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar formally submitted his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms to contest the 2027 presidential election on the party’s platform.
The situation turned rowdy when Atiku’s loyalists and supporters stormed the ADC headquarters ahead of his arrival and attempted to force their way into the main hall where the submission process was taking place. Witnesses said the crowd overwhelmed security personnel and bouncers stationed at the venue, damaging doors in the process before surging into the hall.
The commotion disrupted activities at the secretariat as journalists, party officials and invited guests struggled to regain order amid the pushing and shouting by supporters. Several reporters were also shoved aside as the crowd rushed into the venue in anticipation of Atiku’s appearance.
Despite efforts by journalists to speak with the former presidential candidate after the submission of the forms, Atiku reportedly exited the premises through an underground basement route, leaving many media personnel stranded after waiting for an interview.
In a statement posted on his X account alongside photographs from the event, Atiku described the submission of his nomination forms as a significant step toward rebuilding the country and restoring prosperity to Nigerians.
“The march to restore prosperity and better days to our beloved nation took a firm and decisive step forward today at the National Secretariat of our great party, the African Democratic Congress,” Atiku wrote.
“This is more than a political journey; it is a national movement rooted in hope, renewal, and the collective resolve to save Nigeria from despair. I call on all Nigerians, regardless of region, faith, or background, to join us in this noble cause. Together, we will restore the promise of our nation and bring good times back again,” he added.
Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, also submitted his presidential nomination forms at the ADC secretariat on Thursday, officially joining the race for the party’s ticket ahead of the 2027 election.
Amaechi, in a separate post on X, said his decision to contest was driven by the need to rescue the country from its current challenges.
“Today, I submitted my Presidential nomination forms at the ADC Secretariat, officially throwing my hat in the ring to salvage our country, Nigeria. The mission is clear; we will fight to restore dignity to Nigerians, make our country great and respected in the comity of nations, and bring unity, peace, prosperity and progress to our people,” Amaechi stated.
The ADC had earlier unveiled its timetable for the 2026 primary elections, with primaries for State Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate seats scheduled to begin on May 21, 2026. Governorship primaries are expected to hold on May 22, while the party’s presidential primary has been fixed for May 25, 2026.
