ADC Screens Atiku, Hayatu-Deen Ahead Of 2027 Presidential Primaries

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday screened former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Managing Director of FSB International Bank, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, as preparations intensify ahead of the party’s 2027 presidential primaries.

The screening exercise was held behind closed doors at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja and conducted by a panel chaired by former Cross River State governor, Liyel Imoke, with Cyril Maduabum serving as secretary.

Hayatu-Deen arrived at the venue around 10:50 a.m. and spent about an hour before the panel, while Atiku arrived later at approximately 12:06 p.m.

Speaking after the exercise, Hayatu-Deen described the screening as successful and expressed readiness for whichever method the party adopts in selecting its presidential candidate.

According to him, the ADC may either adopt a consensus arrangement or proceed with direct primaries, adding that he is fully prepared for both options.

The former banker also pledged to run a disciplined and issue-based campaign focused on addressing insecurity, rising living costs, unemployment, poor infrastructure, and challenges in the education and health sectors if he secures the party’s ticket.

Hayatu-Deen said he had long prepared for the presidential race, stressing that contesting for the nation’s top office requires careful planning, credibility, and significant commitment.

Meanwhile, Atiku declined detailed comments after his screening, simply telling journalists that “the screening went well.”

The former vice president, who has contested the presidency several times since 1993, remains one of Nigeria’s leading opposition figures amid ongoing coalition talks ahead of the 2027 elections.

At the time of filing this report, former Rivers State governor and ex-minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, was still being awaited for his screening.