Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, on Sunday held a closed-door meeting with fellow presidential aspirant, Hayatu-Deen, at his Lagos residence as part of efforts to reconcile aggrieved party members after the ADC primary.

The meeting comes days after Atiku emerged as the party’s flag bearer for the 2027 presidential election. Hayatu-Deen, who contested alongside Atiku and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, withdrew from the race before the results were announced, citing alleged widespread vote rigging and electoral irregularities.

Despite his withdrawal, the ADC declared Atiku winner of the primary with 1,846,370 votes, while Amaechi polled 504,117 votes and Hayatu-Deen secured 177,120 votes. Amaechi also rejected the outcome, describing the results as manipulated and alleging voter disenfranchisement.

The meeting with Hayatu-Deen follows Atiku’s recent talks with Amaechi as part of ongoing efforts to unite the party ahead of the 2027 general election. An interview session with Hayatu-Deen is expected after the meeting.