Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi have entered the 2027 presidential race under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), after picking up the party's expression of interest and nomination forms. They join businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, who also obtained the form on Friday from the party's National Organising Secretary, Chinedu Idigo. The ADC confirmed the development through its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, who stated that all three aspirants had formally collected the documents. The nomination form costs N90 million, a fee each of the candidates has paid to begin the process.
Hayatu-Deen used the occasion to outline his campaign priorities, saying the 2027 election must shift focus from traditional politics to urgent national issues. He cited insecurity, economic instability and the soaring cost of living as critical challenges facing Nigerians. "Nigerians are tired of living in fear. They are tired of watching businesses struggle, jobs disappear, and the cost of basic necessities rise beyond what ordinary people can afford," he said in a statement. He stressed that security is the foundation for economic growth, arguing that prosperity cannot exist in an environment of fear and instability.
The ADC opened the window for form sales from May 6 to May 13, setting the stage for a broader lineup of aspirants. While Atiku and Amaechi have not yet released detailed statements on their platforms, their move signals growing momentum within the party's presidential selection process. The N90m fee remains a significant barrier, but has not deterred high-profile figures from seeking the party's ticket. The party is expected to announce further details on its screening and primary election process in due course.
Atiku and Amaechi are seeking the ADC ticket despite the N90m form cost, a fee that effectively limits access to the ultra-wealthy. The party claims to champion change while pricing out ordinary Nigerians from the presidential race. If economic inclusion is a goal, the nomination fee contradicts that message. Security and affordability cannot be prioritised by a system that begins with financial exclusion.
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