Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has taken an early lead in the ongoing African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary, securing victories in five states as delegates continue voting to determine the party’s candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
The high-stakes primary election has attracted nationwide attention as political realignments begin ahead of the next general elections. Atiku is contesting alongside former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and respected economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.
Although the ADC national leadership is yet to officially release the final collated results from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, early figures from several states indicate that Atiku is maintaining a strong lead over his opponents.
Atiku Wins Five States in Early Counting
According to results announced across some states, the former vice president has already recorded victories in Gombe, Abia, Ebonyi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States, boosting speculation that he may emerge as the ADC presidential flagbearer if the current trend continues.
Gombe State Results
In Gombe State, results announced by the Returning Officer, Prof. David Agbu, showed that Atiku secured an overwhelming 139,334 votes.
- Rotimi Amaechi — 1,150 votes
- Mohammed Hayatu-Deen — 464 votes
The result marked one of Atiku’s strongest performances in the early stages of the exercise.
Abia State Results
Atiku also emerged victorious in Abia State, polling 25,153 votes.
- Rotimi Amaechi — 18,339 votes
- Mohammed Hayatu-Deen — 3,264 votes
The Abia result showed a closer contest between Atiku and Amaechi compared to other states announced so far.
Ebonyi State Results
In Ebonyi State, Atiku continued his dominance with another convincing win. Results announced by the ADC National Vice Chairman (Diaspora), Fred Onwe, showed:
- Atiku Abubakar — 15,300 votes
- Rotimi Amaechi — 2,200 votes
- Mohammed Hayatu-Deen — 200 votes
Sokoto and Zamfara Results
The former vice president also secured major victories in Sokoto and Zamfara States.
In Sokoto:
- Atiku — 68,823 votes
- Amaechi — 292 votes
- Hayatu-Deen — 319 votes
In Zamfara:
- Atiku — 60,500 votes
- Hayatu-Deen — 436 votes
- Amaechi — 191 votes
The results further strengthened Atiku’s early dominance in the contest.
ADC Primary Gains National Attention
The ongoing ADC primary is being closely watched by political observers, especially as opposition parties continue strategic discussions and coalition talks ahead of 2027.
Atiku, who previously contested the presidency under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in both the 2019 and 2023 elections, remains one of Nigeria’s most influential opposition politicians.
Meanwhile, Rotimi Amaechi entered the race with promises of institutional reforms, improved governance, and stronger internal party democracy. Economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen focused his campaign on economic restructuring and private sector-led development.
Political analysts believe the outcome of the ADC primary could significantly influence future opposition alliances against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.
Party officials are expected to announce the complete results later today after final collation from the remaining states and the Federal Capital Territory.
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