ADC Primary: Atiku Leads In Eight States As Results Trickle In [See Breakdown Of Results]

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has taken an early lead in the presidential primary election of the African Democratic Congress, winning in eight states as delegates across the country vote to choose the party’s candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that the primary is being contested by Atiku, former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and economist, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.

Although the national leadership of the ADC has yet to formally announce the final collated results from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, figures obtained from some states showed Atiku maintaining a strong lead in the early stage of the exercise.

The former Vice President has so far won in Gombe, Abia, Ebonyi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Lagos, Kebbi and Kano states.

Results From Eight States

Figures from the states showed that Atiku defeated his closest challengers by wide margins in most of the results released so far.

The results are as follows:

1. Gombe State: Atiku Abubakar, 139,334 votes; Rotimi Amaechi, 1,150 votes; Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, 464 votes.
2. Abia State: Atiku Abubakar, 25,153 votes; Rotimi Amaechi, 18,339 votes; Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, 3,264 votes.
3. Ebonyi State: Atiku Abubakar, 15,300 votes; Rotimi Amaechi, 2,200 votes; Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, 200 votes.
4. Sokoto State: Atiku Abubakar, 68,823 votes; Rotimi Amaechi, 292 votes; Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, 319 votes.
5. Zamfara State: Atiku Abubakar, 60,500 votes; Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, 436 votes; Rotimi Amaechi, 191 votes.
6. Lagos State: Atiku Abubakar, 37,779 votes; Rotimi Amaechi, 6,791 votes; Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, 2,261 votes.
7. Kebbi State: Atiku Abubakar, 65,153 votes; Rotimi Amaechi, 5,931 votes.
8. Kano State: Atiku Abubakar, 155,995 votes; Rotimi Amaechi, 15,914 votes; Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, 9,994 votes.

Returning Officers Announce Results

In Gombe State, results announced by the Returning Officer, Prof. David Agbu, showed Atiku recording one of his strongest performances, with 139,334 votes.

Amaechi came in a distant second in the state with 1,150 votes, while Hayatu-Deen secured 464 votes.

In Ebonyi State, the result announced by the ADC National Vice Chairman, Diaspora, Fred Onwe, also placed Atiku ahead with 15,300 votes.

Amaechi polled 2,200 votes, while Hayatu-Deen recorded 200 votes.

Atiku Extends Lead In Kano, Kebbi, Lagos

The results from Kano, Kebbi and Lagos further strengthened Atiku’s position in the race.

In Kano, he polled 155,995 votes, leaving Amaechi with 15,914 votes and Hayatu-Deen with 9,994 votes.

In Kebbi, the former Vice President secured 65,153 votes, while Amaechi scored 5,931 votes.

Atiku also won Lagos State with 37,779 votes, ahead of Amaechi, who polled 6,791 votes, and Hayatu-Deen, who secured 2,261 votes.

PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that the ongoing primary is seen as a major test of strength within the ADC as opposition parties continue political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election.

Atiku, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 and 2023 elections, remains one of the most influential figures in Nigeria’s opposition politics.

Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State and ex-chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, entered the race promising institutional reforms and stronger internal party democracy.

Hayatu-Deen, on the other hand, has campaigned on economic restructuring and private sector-driven growth.

Party officials are expected to announce the complete results after collation from the remaining states and the Federal Capital Territory.