Atiku Abubakar has taken an early lead in the presidential primary of the African Democratic Congress, clinching victories in five states as delegates nationwide vote to choose the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 presidential election.
The high-stakes contest, already drawing significant political attention ahead of the next electoral cycle, is being contested by Atiku, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.
Although the party’s national leadership has yet to officially declare the final results from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, figures obtained from several states show Atiku establishing a commanding early advantage.
The former vice president reportedly won in Gombe, Abia, Ebonyi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states, strengthening speculation that he could secure the party’s presidential ticket if the trend continues.
In Gombe State, results announced by Returning Officer Prof. David Agbu showed Atiku polling 139,334 votes. Amaechi finished a distant second with 1,150 votes, while Hayatu-Deen secured 464 votes.
Atiku also emerged victorious in Abia State with 25,153 votes, ahead of Amaechi’s 18,339 votes, while Hayatu-Deen polled 3,264 votes.
In Ebonyi State, the former vice president recorded another landslide victory. Results announced by the ADC National Vice Chairman (Diaspora), Fred Onwe, showed Atiku scoring 15,300 votes, compared to Amaechi’s 2,200 votes and Hayatu-Deen’s 200 votes.
The Sokoto State results further highlighted Atiku’s dominance in the early stages of the primary, with the former vice president polling 68,823 votes. Amaechi received 292 votes, while Hayatu-Deen secured 319 votes.
A similar outcome emerged in Zamfara State, where Atiku garnered 60,500 votes. Hayatu-Deen polled 436 votes, while Amaechi recorded 191 votes.
The ongoing primary is widely viewed as a crucial test of strength for the ADC amid intensifying opposition realignments ahead of the 2027 general election.
Atiku, who flew the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2019 and 2023 presidential elections, remains one of the most influential figures in Nigeria’s opposition politics.
Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State and ex-chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, entered the race on a platform of institutional reforms and stronger internal democracy, while Hayatu-Deen campaigned on economic restructuring and private sector-led growth.
Political analysts believe the outcome of the ADC primary could significantly influence ongoing coalition discussions among opposition blocs seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2027.
Party officials are expected to announce the final collated results later today after votes from the remaining states and the Federal Capital Territory are concluded.
