Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has taken an early lead in the presidential primaries of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), securing victories in five states as delegates across Nigeria vote to choose the party’s candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
The contest features Atiku alongside former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, with early results showing a strong advantage for the former vice president.
Although the party has not yet released final collated results from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, available figures indicate Atiku is ahead in several states, including Gombe, Abia, Ebonyi, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
In Gombe State, results announced by the Returning Officer, Prof. David Agbu, showed Atiku securing 139,334 votes, while Amaechi polled 1,150 votes and Hayatu-Deen 464 votes.
In Abia State, Atiku again led with 25,153 votes, followed by Amaechi with 18,339 votes and Hayatu-Deen with 3,264 votes.
Ebonyi State results showed a similar pattern, with Atiku recording 15,300 votes compared to Amaechi’s 2,200 and Hayatu-Deen’s 200 votes.
In Sokoto State, Atiku secured 68,823 votes, while Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen polled 292 and 319 votes respectively.
Zamfara State also reflected his dominance, with Atiku receiving 60,500 votes, ahead of Hayatu-Deen’s 436 votes and Amaechi’s 191 votes.
The primary election has drawn significant national attention as opposition parties reposition ahead of the 2027 general elections. Atiku, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in both 2019 and 2023, remains one of Nigeria’s most prominent opposition figures.
Amaechi, a former Rivers State governor and ex-chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, has campaigned on institutional reforms and internal party democracy, while Hayatu-Deen has focused on economic restructuring and private-sector-led growth.
Political analysts say the outcome of the ADC primary could influence broader coalition negotiations among opposition groups seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2027.
Party officials are expected to announce the final consolidated results after collation from all states and the FCT.
