There was commotion on Thursday at the national secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Abuja as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar submitted his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms to contest the 2027 presidential election.
The atmosphere around the party headquarters became rowdy as Atiku’s supporters and loyalists thronged the venue ahead of his arrival, struggling to gain access into the hall where the submission exercise was scheduled to take place.
Eyewitnesses said the crowd overwhelmed security personnel and private bouncers stationed at the entrance in a bid to force their way into the venue.
In the process, doors at the entrance of the hall were reportedly damaged as supporters pushed past security operatives and surged into the building.
The chaotic scene disrupted activities temporarily, with journalists and invited guests struggling to maintain access amid the heavy crowd.
Some journalists covering the event were also pushed aside as supporters flooded the hall shortly after breaching the entrance.
Witnesses described the moment as chaotic, with party loyalists rushing into the venue “like a swarm of bees” after forcing open the doors.
Despite the heightened excitement surrounding his appearance, Atiku declined to speak with journalists after submitting the forms.
Attempts by reporters to secure comments from the former Vice President proved unsuccessful, as he reportedly exited the premises through an underground basement route.
Journalists who had positioned themselves around the main entrance in anticipation of an interview were left stranded after discovering that the former presidential candidate had departed through an alternative exit.
The submission of nomination forms marks another major step in Atiku’s expected bid for the presidency in the 2027 general elections.
Friday Olokor
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