A presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rotimi Amaechi, has said he will question the outcome of the party’s ongoing presidential primary if the process is not free, fair and transparent.
Amaechi, a former Rivers State governor and former Minister of Transportation, stated this after casting his vote at his ward in Ubima, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
He, however, said he would accept the result and work with whoever emerges as the party’s presidential candidate if the process is credible.
Speaking with journalists after voting, Amaechi said the turnout at his ward was impressive and peaceful.
He said officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were present during the exercise before he cast his vote.
Amaechi said, “It was a huge number of turn out, first there was celebration and dancing, then we got the INEC people involved and I did cast my vote and left the place.”
The former minister said he had been monitoring the conduct of the primary across the country from Rivers State.
Amaechi said his decision to accept the outcome of the primary would depend on whether the process across the country was as transparent as what he witnessed in his community.
He said, “I was monitoring the country state-by-state where I was, I hope the system would be transparent as it was in my village, if it’s transparent I would accept the result but if it’s not free and fair a lot of us would react.”
The former governor said the ADC must ensure that the process reflects the will of party members.
He added that aspirants and their supporters would have no reason to reject the outcome if the primary is conducted in a credible manner.
Asked whether he would support another aspirant if he loses the primary, Amaechi said he would work with the eventual winner, provided the process is credible.
He said, “The answer is yes, if the other person wins, I will work with him but if the process is not free and fair, I would question it.”
The ADC presidential primary is part of the party’s efforts to choose its flagbearer ahead of the 2027 general election.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that the ADC presidential primary was conducted across 8,809 wards nationwide.
Atiku, Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen are contesting for the party’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.
Amaechi cast his vote at his Ubima Ward in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Hayatu-Deen voted in Jare, Borno State.
Atiku cast his vote at Ajiya Ward Polling Unit in Jimeta, Yola, Adamawa State.