- The former vice president also topped the poll in Abia State with 25,153 votes
- Party officials are expected to release the complete results after collation from the remaining states and the FCT
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has emerged as the early frontrunner in the African Democratic Congress presidential primary after securing victories in five states as delegates continue voting to determine the party’s candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the primary, which has drawn significant attention ahead of the next election cycle, features Atiku, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen as contestants.
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Although the party leadership has yet to release the final results from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, early figures from several states indicate a strong lead for the former vice president.
Results available from Gombe, Abia, Ebonyi, Sokoto and Zamfara states showed Atiku ahead of his rivals, boosting his chances of clinching the party’s ticket if the trend continues.
In Gombe State, Returning Officer Prof. David Agbu announced that Atiku secured 139,334 votes. Amaechi polled 1,150 votes, while Hayatu-Deen received 464 votes.
The former vice president also topped the poll in Abia State with 25,153 votes. Amaechi garnered 18,339 votes, while Hayatu-Deen scored 3,264 votes.
In Ebonyi State, results announced by ADC National Vice Chairman (Diaspora), Fred Onwe, showed Atiku recording 15,300 votes. Amaechi received 2,200 votes, while Hayatu-Deen polled 200 votes.
The Sokoto outcome further strengthened Atiku’s early dominance, with the former vice president securing 68,823 votes. Amaechi obtained 292 votes while Hayatu-Deen recorded 319 votes.
A similar result emerged in Zamfara State, where Atiku polled 60,500 votes. Hayatu-Deen secured 436 votes, while Amaechi received 191 votes.
The ongoing exercise is regarded as a key moment for the ADC as opposition parties continue consultations and alignments ahead of the 2027 general election.
Atiku, who flew the flag of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2019 and 2023 presidential elections, remains a major figure within the opposition bloc.
Amaechi, a former Rivers State governor and ex-chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, is contesting on promises of institutional reforms and stronger internal democracy, while Hayatu-Deen has focused his campaign on economic restructuring and private sector-led development.
Observers believe the outcome of the ADC primary could influence future coalition talks among opposition groups seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress in the next election.
Party officials are expected to release the complete results after collation from the remaining states and the FCT.
