Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has taken an early lead in the presidential primary of the African Democratic Congress after securing victories in five states in the ongoing exercise to choose the party’s candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
The contest is being contested by Atiku, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.
Although the party leadership has yet to officially announce the final results from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, results obtained from some states showed Atiku leading in the early stages of the count.
The former vice president won in Gombe, Abia, Ebonyi, Sokoto and Zamfara states.
In Gombe State, results announced by the Returning Officer, Prof. David Agbu, showed that Atiku polled 139,334 votes. Amaechi secured 1,150 votes, while Hayatu-Deen got 464 votes.
In Abia State, Atiku recorded 25,153 votes ahead of Amaechi, who polled 18,339 votes. Hayatu-Deen secured 3,264 votes.
Results announced in Ebonyi State by the ADC National Vice Chairman (Diaspora), Fred Onwe, showed Atiku polling 15,300 votes. Amaechi scored 2,200 votes, while Hayatu-Deen received 200 votes.
In Sokoto State, Atiku polled 68,823 votes, while Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen secured 292 and 319 votes respectively.
A similar trend was recorded in Zamfara State, where Atiku secured 60,500 votes. Hayatu-Deen polled 436 votes, while Amaechi got 191 votes.
The primary is seen as a major test for the ADC as opposition parties continue consultations and political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election.
Atiku was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2019 and 2023 elections. Amaechi entered the race with promises of institutional reforms and internal party democracy, while Hayatu-Deen campaigned on economic restructuring and private sector-led growth.
Political observers say the outcome of the ADC primary could influence coalition talks among opposition groups seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2027.
Party officials are expected to announce the full results after collation from the remaining states and the Federal Capital Territory.
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