Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has emerged as the early frontrunner in the presidential primaries of the African Democratic Congress, recording victories in five states as delegates nationwide vote to choose the party’s candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
The primary, which has drawn significant public interest ahead of the next election cycle, is being contested by Atiku, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.
Although the party’s national leadership has not officially released the final results from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, figures gathered from several states show Atiku holding a strong advantage in the early stages of the count.
The former vice president reportedly secured victories in Gombe, Abia, Ebonyi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states, increasing speculation that he could emerge as the party’s presidential flagbearer if the current trend continues.
In Gombe State, results announced by the Returning Officer, Prof. David Agbu, showed Atiku polling 139,334 votes. Amaechi came a distant second with 1,150 votes, while Hayatu-Deen received 464 votes.
Atiku also led in Abia State with 25,153 votes, ahead of Amaechi’s 18,339 votes, while Hayatu-Deen secured 3,264 votes.
In Ebonyi State, the former vice president recorded another decisive victory. Results announced by the ADC National Vice Chairman (Diaspora), Fred Onwe, showed Atiku scoring 15,300 votes, while Amaechi polled 2,200 votes and Hayatu-Deen got 200 votes.
The Sokoto results further highlighted Atiku’s early dominance in the exercise. He polled 68,823 votes, while Amaechi secured 292 votes and Hayatu-Deen received 319 votes.
A similar outcome was recorded in Zamfara State, where Atiku obtained 60,500 votes. Hayatu-Deen scored 436 votes, while Amaechi received 191 votes.
The ongoing primary is regarded as a major test of influence within the ADC as opposition parties continue political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election. Atiku, who served as the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2019 and 2023 elections, remains one of the leading figures in Nigeria’s opposition politics.
Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State and former chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, joined the race on promises of institutional reforms and stronger internal democracy within the party, while Hayatu-Deen campaigned on economic restructuring and private sector-led growth.
Political analysts believe the ADC primary could influence coalition discussions among opposition groups seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2027.
Party officials are expected to announce the full results later today after collation from the remaining states and the Federal Capital Territory.
