Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi is set to dispute the outcome of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary after ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar was declared the winner, with indications he may head to court to challenge the result.

Sources within the party told Sahara Reporters that Amaechi, who ran in the primary, is unhappy with how the exercise was handled. The former transportation minister reportedly believes the process was compromised and did not capture the genuine preference of delegates.

“Atiku will emerge as the winner of the ADC primary election and Amaechi is set to reject the result,” a party insider said. “Amaechi is also considering taking legal action over the issue.”

A move to court could widen existing fractures in the ADC after its direct primary, conducted in 8,809 wards nationwide through the Option A4 method. The contest involved three main aspirants: Atiku, Amaechi, and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.

Hayatu-Deen had already distanced himself from the announcement of results, alleging large-scale irregularities and manipulation. He stated he would not attend the declaration and was seeking advice on his next line of action.

Amaechi has openly questioned Atiku’s chances in a general election, arguing that success in primaries has not led to presidential wins for the former vice president. “I hope this will be the first time he will fail primary,” Amaechi remarked in a recent interview. “But that’s not even the issue. The issue is that at all times that you have passed primary, you have not won election. So it’s about electability.”

Atiku voted in Ajiya Ward, Jimeta, Yola, Adamawa State, while Amaechi cast his ballot in Ward 5, Ubima, Rivers State. The ADC has drawn several opposition leaders aiming to build a coalition to take on President Bola Tinubu and the APC in 2027.

The party earlier shelved its presidential screening over disputes about adopting a consensus candidate, with friction centered on Atiku, Amaechi, and Hayatu-Deen.