Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has emerged as the early frontrunner in the African Democratic Congress presidential primary, recording victories in five states as delegates continue voting to choose the party’s candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
The closely watched contest features Atiku, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.
Although the ADC leadership has yet to release final nationwide results, early figures from several states show Atiku holding a commanding lead.
The former vice president secured victories in Gombe, Abia, Ebonyi, Sokoto and Zamfara states, reinforcing growing expectations that he could clinch the party’s ticket if the current trend continues.
In Gombe State, results announced by Returning Officer Prof. David Agbu showed Atiku polling 139,334 votes. Amaechi trailed with 1,150 votes, while Hayatu-Deen secured 464.
Atiku also topped the poll in Abia, where he recorded 25,153 votes. Amaechi polled 18,339, while Hayatu-Deen received 3,264 votes.
The pattern continued in Ebonyi State, where ADC National Vice Chairman (Diaspora), Fred Onwe, announced that Atiku secured 15,300 votes. Amaechi polled 2,200 votes, while Hayatu-Deen managed 200.
In Sokoto, Atiku widened the margin further, recording 68,823 votes. Amaechi received 292 votes and Hayatu-Deen polled 319.
Zamfara followed a similar path, with Atiku scoring 60,500 votes. Hayatu-Deen secured 436 votes, while Amaechi polled 191.
The ongoing primary is being closely monitored as opposition parties continue realignments ahead of the 2027 general election.
Atiku, who flew the flag of the Peoples Democratic Party in both the 2019 and 2023 presidential elections, remains one of the most influential figures within Nigeria’s opposition bloc.
Amaechi, a former Rivers State governor and ex-chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, entered the race pledging institutional reforms and stronger internal democracy within the party. Hayatu-Deen, meanwhile, campaigned on economic restructuring and private sector-led development.
Political analysts believe the outcome of the ADC primary could influence wider coalition negotiations among opposition parties seeking to mount a serious challenge against the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2027.
Party officials are expected to announce final results after collation from the remaining states and the Federal Capital Territory.
