Atiku, Amaechi, Hayatu-Deen appear before ADC presidential screening panel

Presidential aspirants on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President, Rotimi Amaechi, former Rivers State governor, and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, an economist, on Wednesday appeared before the party’s screening panel in Abuja.

BusinessDay reports that the exercise, held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, is part of preparations for the ADC presidential primary scheduled for May 25, 2026.

Atiku and Amaechi eft the venue immediately after their separate screenings without speaking to journalists.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed August 19, 2026, for the commencement of presidential campaigns, while the window for political parties to conclude their primaries is expected to close on May 30.

However, in a statement issued after the screening by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the exercise as more than a routine party process, saying it offered an opportunity to present urgent solutions to Nigeria’s economic and security crises.

He lamented rising hardship, unemployment, insecurity, and declining investor confidence, stressing that Nigeria needs focused leadership and clear economic direction.

Atiku said his blueprint prioritises job creation, private sector growth, fiscal discipline, and stable economic management, while his security plan centres on intelligence-led operations, stronger coordination among agencies, and decisive action against criminality.

Speaking after his screening,
Hayatu-Deen said the ADC remains the strongest platform to unseat the ruling APC in 2027.

The economist and former Chairman of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group said Nigeria urgently needs competent and solutions-driven leadership to address rising hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and declining economic confidence.

He stressed that his campaign is focused on practical solutions to improve citizens’ lives, create jobs, and restore hope.