Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is leading early in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primaries, with reports showing he has won in five states as delegates choose the party’s 2027 candidate.
The race features Atiku, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen. It has drawn national attention as opposition parties get ready for the next general election.
The ADC leadership has not yet released results from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. However, early reports show Atiku is ahead, with wins in Gombe, Abia, Ebonyi, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
In Abia, Atiku received 25,153 votes, while Amaechi got 18,339 and Hayatu-Deen had 3,264. In Ebonyi, Atiku had 15,300 votes, Amaechi 2,200, and Hayatu-Deen 200. In Sokoto, Atiku led with 68,823 votes, followed by Amaechi with 292 and Hayatu-Deen with 319.
In Zamfara, Atiku got 60,500 votes, Hayatu-Deen received 436, and Amaechi had 191. These results have led to speculation that Atiku may become the party’s candidate if the trend continues.
Some analysts see the primary as a test of the ADC’s influence and its role in shaping opposition efforts before 2027. Atiku, who ran for president with the Peoples Democratic Party in the past, remains a well-known figure in opposition politics.
Amaechi has focused his campaign on institutional reforms and building stronger party democracy. Hayatu-Deen has highlighted economic restructuring and private-sector growth. Experts say that opposition groups watching the ADC primary may use its outcome to plan how to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress.
The final results will be announced later today after votes from the remaining states and the FCT are counted.