The race for the African Democratic Congress presidential ticket gained momentum this week as three prominent figures secured nomination forms for ₦90 million each.

Former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi formally entered the contest on May 8, 2026. A delegation led by ex-APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun collected the forms on his behalf at the ADC national secretariat in Abuja. Amaechi becomes the second aspirant to join the race, after economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen picked his forms a day earlier.

Hayatu-Deen, former Chairman of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group, said he was motivated by rising hardship and insecurity. “This is not the Nigeria we deserve. It is time to change course,” he stated. He pledged to abide by the party’s primary process.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was also reported to have obtained the forms, bringing the field to three high-profile contenders.

The ADC reduced its presidential form fee from ₦100m to ₦90m in May, with sales running May 1-4 and primaries scheduled for late May. The party has faced leadership disputes and defections, but National Chairman Sen. David Mark said ADC will participate in the 2027 elections.