By Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has emerged as the early frontrunner in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primaries after securing victories in five states in the ongoing contest to determine the party’s 2027 presidential candidate.
Early results from several states showed Atiku opening a wide lead ahead of former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.
Although the ADC leadership had yet to officially release final nationwide results as of press time, figures announced in some states indicated strong momentum in favour of the former vice president.
Atiku recorded victories in Gombe, Abia, Ebonyi, Sokoto and Zamfara states during the early phase of collation.
In Gombe State, results announced by Returning Officer Prof. David Agbu showed Atiku polling 139,334 votes, while Amaechi secured 1,150 votes and Hayatu-Deen received 464 votes.
The former PDP presidential candidate also led in Abia State with 25,153 votes. Amaechi polled 18,339 votes, while Hayatu-Deen scored 3,264 votes.
In Ebonyi State, ADC National Vice Chairman (Diaspora), Fred Onwe, announced that Atiku secured 15,300 votes, compared to Amaechi’s 2,200 votes and Hayatu-Deen’s 200 votes.
A similar pattern emerged in Sokoto State where Atiku polled 68,823 votes, leaving Amaechi with 292 votes and Hayatu-Deen with 319 votes.
In Zamfara State, Atiku further widened his lead after securing 60,500 votes, while Hayatu-Deen polled 436 votes and Amaechi got 191 votes.
The primary election is being closely monitored as opposition political movements intensify preparations ahead of the 2027 general election.
Political analysts believe the outcome of the ADC contest could influence ongoing coalition discussions among opposition parties seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress in the next presidential race.
Party officials are expected to announce the final collated results from the remaining states and the Federal Capital Territory after the completion of the exercise.
