Atiku meets Hayatu-Deen in Lagos after winning ADC primary

Former vice president and ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, is reportedly having a closed-door meeting with his erstwhile rival, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, in Lagos as part of a move by the party to foster unity amongst its members following the presidential primary.

This development comes on the heels of Atiku winning the ADC presidential primary where he was presented with the flag of the party as its presidential candidate for the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

Sources report that the meeting between both politicians is ongoing at Atiku’s Lagos home and is considered a smart play by the politician to ensure the party’s cohesion as it proceeds to the next stage of its campaign.

This development comes amid displeasure from some of the aspirants with regards to how the whole exercise was conducted.

Among those who rejected the result were former transportation minister, Rotimi Amaechi, and Hayatu-Deen who had earlier claimed he would not show up at the presentation of results.

Following his victory, Atiku appealed to aggrieved aspirants and party members to put the contest behind them and work together for the party ahead of the 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 extended a direct appeal to his fellow contestants, urging them to join him in what he described as a broader effort to 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 said.

Atiku maintained that the outcome of the primary should not divide the party, stressing that internal contests should not create permanent factions.

“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 other aspirants and stakeholders to strengthen the party ahead of the next general election, saying, “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.”

The meeting with Hayatu-Deen comes days after Atiku paid a visit to former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi at his Abuja residence, another move widely viewed as part of efforts to unite the party after the presidential primary and consolidate support ahead of the election.