Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has taken an early lead in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary election after securing victories in five states.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that the contest is being held across the country to determine the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
Atiku is contesting against former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.
Although the ADC national leadership 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.
The former vice president reportedly won in Gombe, Abia, Ebonyi, Sokoto and Zamfara states.
In Gombe State, results announced by the Returning Officer, Prof. David Agbu, showed that Atiku polled 139,334 votes.
Amaechi came second with 1,150 votes, while Hayatu-Deen scored 464 votes.
In Abia State, Atiku also won with 25,153 votes, ahead of Amaechi, who secured 18,339 votes. Hayatu-Deen polled 3,264 votes.
In Ebonyi State, results announced by the ADC National Vice Chairman, Diaspora, Fred Onwe, showed that Atiku scored 15,300 votes.
Amaechi polled 2,200 votes, while Hayatu-Deen secured 200 votes.
In Sokoto State, Atiku received 68,823 votes, while Amaechi got 292 votes and Hayatu-Deen polled 319 votes.
In Zamfara State, Atiku secured 60,500 votes. Hayatu-Deen polled 436 votes, while Amaechi scored 191 votes.
The ADC primary is regarded as a major test of strength within the opposition as parties continue realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
Atiku, a former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), remains one of the most prominent figures in opposition politics.
Amaechi entered the race campaigning on institutional reforms and internal party democracy, while Hayatu-Deen focused on economic restructuring and private sector-led growth.
Party officials are expected to announce the complete results after collation from the remaining states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).