ADC primaries: Atiku in early lead, wins five states

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has taken an early lead in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary, securing victories in five states as vote counting continues across the country ahead of the party’s 2027 presidential ticket decision.

The exercise, which has drawn nationwide attention, is still awaiting full collation from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. However, early results already point to a strong showing for Atiku against his main challengers, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.

Atiku has so far been declared winner in Gombe, Abia, Ebonyi, Sokoto and Zamfara states, giving him an early advantage in the race for the party’s presidential nomination.

In Gombe State, Returning Officer Prof. David Agbu announced that Atiku polled 139,334 votes, while Amaechi scored 1,150 votes and Hayatu-Deen got 464 votes.

In Abia, Atiku recorded 25,153 votes, ahead of Amaechi who polled 18,339 votes, while Hayatu-Deen had 3,264 votes.

Ebonyi State also delivered a strong result for the former vice president. ADC National Vice Chairman (Diaspora), Fred Onwe, announced that Atiku secured 15,300 votes, Amaechi polled 2,200 votes, and Hayatu-Deen got 200 votes.

In Sokoto, Atiku expanded his lead with 68,823 votes, compared to Amaechi’s 292 votes and Hayatu-Deen’s 319 votes.

Zamfara followed a similar pattern, with Atiku scoring 60,500 votes, while Hayatu-Deen polled 436 votes and Amaechi 191 votes.

The ADC primary has become a key test of strength within Nigeria’s opposition politics, as parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections. Atiku, who previously contested the presidency under the Peoples Democratic Party in 2019 and 2023, remains one of the most influential figures in the race.

Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State, has campaigned on internal party reform and governance restructuring, while Hayatu-Deen has focused on economic recovery and private sector-led growth.

Party officials are expected to release the full national results after collation is completed from all states and the FCT.