Atiku Abubakar, a presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)on Sunday held a closed-door meeting with Muhammad Hayatu-Deen, a fellow party member in what appears to be a move to reconcile aggrieved stakeholders following the party’s presidential primary.
The meeting, held at Atiku’s Lagos residence, comes days after he emerged as the ADC presidential candidate and was formally presented with the party’s flag after winning the primary election.
Hayatu-Deen and Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of transportation had rejected the outcome of the primary, alleging irregularities in the voting process. Hayatu-Deen had also declined to attend the announcement of the results.
Following his victory, Atiku appealed to dissatisfied aspirants and party members to set aside their grievances and work together in the interest of the party ahead of the 2027 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.
The former vice president also made a direct appeal to his fellow contestants, urging them to join him in what he described as a collective effort to rebuild the country.
“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 said.
Atiku maintained that the outcome of the primary should not create divisions within the party.
“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 added.
He further pledged to work with all party stakeholders to strengthen the ADC ahead of the next election cycle.
“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 stated.
The meeting with Hayatu-Deen came shortly after Atiku visited Amaechi at his Abuja residence, a move widely seen as part of ongoing efforts to unite the party and consolidate support following the presidential primary.
