Atiku Meets Hayatu-Deen in Lagos as ADC Moves to Heal Post-Primary Divisions

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has held a closed-door meeting with fellow party stalwart and former presidential aspirant, Hayatu-Deen, in what political observers see as a fresh effort to reconcile aggrieved members following the party’s presidential primary.

The meeting, which took place at Atiku’s Lagos residence, comes days after he secured the ADC presidential ticket and was formally presented with the party’s flag after emerging victorious in the primary election.

According to Channels Television, the engagement is part of ongoing moves to unite the party after disagreements that trailed the conduct of the primary.

Hayatu-Deen and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, had openly rejected the outcome of the exercise, alleging irregularities and manipulation of the voting process. Hayatu-Deen had also indicated he would boycott the official declaration of the results.

In the aftermath of his victory, Atiku extended an olive branch to dissatisfied aspirants and party members, urging them to set aside their grievances and work collectively toward the party’s success in the forthcoming general election.

“I therefore appeal to all those who feel aggrieved to come back to our party and close ranks with the rest of us,” Atiku said after clinching the ticket.

The former vice president specifically called on both Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen to join him in what he described as a mission to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and address the country’s challenges.

“In particular, I invite Chief Rotimi Amaechi and Alhaji Muhammad Hayatu-Deen to join me in this fight to save our democracy and our country,” he stated.

Atiku stressed that internal party contests should not create lasting divisions, insisting that the primary election produced no real losers.

“As I said previously, there are no winners and no losers. Our people look up to us for leadership, and I am ready to lead,” he said.

He also pledged to collaborate with fellow aspirants and key stakeholders to build a stronger ADC ahead of the next general election.

“I shall work with you all to continue to build our party. I will campaign with you and, if Nigeria’s leaders demand it, govern with you to build a country that works for all of us,” Atiku added.

The Lagos meeting with Hayatu-Deen follows Atiku’s recent visit to former Rivers State Governor and fellow aspirant, Rotimi Amaechi, at his Abuja residence—another move widely interpreted as part of a broader reconciliation strategy aimed at consolidating support and fostering unity within the party ahead of the electoral campaign season.