One of the presidential aspirants of the African Democratic Congress, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has boycotted the announcement of the party’s presidential primary results over allegations of widespread irregularities.

Hayatu-Deen, in a statement issued on Tuesday, said reports of vote manipulation from different parts of the country had raised concerns about the credibility of the exercise.

“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.

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

The party had earlier maintained that its presidential primary process was transparent and democratic.

Hayatu-Deen’s refusal to participate in the result announcement is expected to heighten tensions within the opposition party as collation of votes continues across the country.

Preparations for the official declaration of results had reportedly been concluded at the Abuja venue of the exercise before the aspirant’s announcement.

As of the time of filing this report, Atiku was said to be leading the contest after recording victories in at least five states.