UPDATED: Atiku holds closed-door talks with Hayatu-Deen

A former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and Hayatu-Deen. Photo credit: Channels TV

A former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, on Sunday held a closed-door meeting with his rival, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, at his Lagos residence in what is being viewed as a reconciliation effort following the party’s presidential primary. In a post on the visit, Atiku said: “Earlier today, I visited my brother and fellow aspirant in the presidential primaries, Alhaji Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, at his residence in Lagos. “Our discussions on the state of our nation and party were frank and productive. We resolved to work together in the challenging task of reclaiming and rebuilding our beloved country for the greater good of our people.” The meeting comes days after Atiku emerged as the ADC presidential candidate and received the party’s flag after being declared winner of the primary. The development follows reported discontent within the party over the conduct of the exercise. Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and Hayatu-Deen had rejected the outcome of the primary, alleging manipulation of the voting process. Hayatu-Deen had also said he would not attend the announcement of the result. Following his victory, Atiku appealed to aggrieved aspirants and party members to put the contest behind them and work together for the party ahead of the general election. Related News Benue lawmaker secures LP ticket for second term bid Accord picks Olawepo-Hashim as presidential candidate NDC disowns primary results, summons NEC to ratify outcome “I therefore appeal to all those who feel aggrieved to come back to our party and close ranks with the rest of us,” Atiku said. The former vice president also extended a direct appeal to his fellow contestants, urging them to join him in what he described as a broader effort to address the country’s challenges. “In particular, I invite Chief Rotimi Amaechi and Alhaji Muhammad Hayatu-Deen to join me in this fight to save our democracy and our country,” he said. Atiku maintained that the outcome of the primary should not divide the party, stressing that internal contests should not create permanent factions. “As I said previously, there are no winners and no losers. Our people look up to us for leadership, and I am ready to lead,” he added. He further pledged to work with other aspirants and stakeholders to strengthen the party ahead of the next general election, saying, “I shall work with you all to continue to build our party. I will campaign with you and if Nigeria’s leaders demand