Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, one of three aspirants seeking the Presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 election, has announced that he would not participate in the next stage of the exercise over alleged irregularities.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Hayatu-Deen said reports of widespread vote rigging from different parts of the country had raised serious doubts about the credibility of the process.

“I will not be attending the announcement of the ADC Presidential Election Results today. I am concerned by reports from across the country of widespread vote rigging, some of which I myself observed, and will therefore be taking advice on my next steps,” he stated.

The development comes amid intense competition for the ADC presidential ticket involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and Hayatu-Deen.

The party had earlier described its primary as a transparent and democratic process.

Hayatu-Deen’s decision not to attend the announcement of the results may heighten tensions within the opposition party as collation continues nationwide.

Daily Trust reports that arrangements for the announcement of results have been finalised and the Abuja venue is fully set for the exercise.

Atiku, the leading aspirant, has won in at least five states as of the time of filing this report.