ATIKU ABUBAKAR LEADS ADC PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY, WINS FIVE STATES

Read Time:1 Minute, 46 Second

By: Balogun Ibrahim

Atiku Abubakar has taken an early lead in the presidential primaries of the African Democratic Congress, winning in five states as delegates across the country vote to select the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 presidential election.

The contest, which has drawn nationwide attention ahead of the next election cycle, features Atiku, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.

Although the party’s national leadership is yet to announce final results from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, early tallies show Atiku maintaining a strong lead across several states.

Reports indicate that he won in Gombe, Abia, Ebonyi, Sokoto, and Zamfara, strengthening expectations that he could emerge as the party’s presidential candidate if the trend continues.

In Gombe State, results announced by Returning Officer Prof. David Agbu showed Atiku polling 139,334 votes, while Amaechi scored 1,150 votes and Hayatu-Deen received 464 votes.

In Abia State, Atiku secured 25,153 votes ahead of Amaechi’s 18,339, with Hayatu-Deen polling 3,264 votes.

READ MORE…

SENEGAL’S EX-PM SONKO SECURES NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SPEAKER POSITION

In Ebonyi State, results declared by ADC National Vice Chairman (Diaspora), Fred Onwe, showed Atiku with 15,300 votes, Amaechi with 2,200 votes, and Hayatu-Deen with 200 votes.

In Sokoto State, Atiku recorded 68,823 votes, while Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen polled 292 and 319 votes respectively.

In Zamfara State, Atiku again led with 60,500 votes, followed by Hayatu-Deen with 436 votes and Amaechi with 191 votes.

The ongoing primary is seen as a key test of strength within the ADC as opposition parties reposition ahead of the 2027 general election.

Atiku, the former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in 2019 and 2023, remains a central figure in Nigeria’s opposition politics.

Amaechi has campaigned on institutional reforms and internal party democracy, while Hayatu-Deen has focused on economic restructuring and private sector-led growth.

Party officials are expected to announce the final collated results after the conclusion of voting across remaining states and the FCT.