Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has emerged as the early frontrunner in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primaries after clinching victories in five states as collation of results continues nationwide ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The race for the party’s presidential ticket features Atiku, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.
Although the ADC has yet to officially announce the final nationwide outcome, preliminary figures from state-level collation centres indicate that Atiku is maintaining a commanding lead over his rivals.
The former vice president reportedly secured victories in Gombe, Abia, Ebonyi, Sokoto and Zamfara states, strengthening his position as the leading contender in the ongoing exercise.
In Gombe State, Returning Officer Prof. David Agbu announced that Atiku polled 139,334 votes, while Amaechi garnered 1,150 votes and Hayatu-Deen received 464 votes.
Results from Abia State showed Atiku leading with 25,153 votes, ahead of Amaechi’s 18,339 votes and Hayatu-Deen’s 3,264 votes.
Similarly, in Ebonyi State, results declared by ADC National Vice Chairman (Diaspora), Fred Onwe, revealed that Atiku secured 15,300 votes, while Amaechi polled 2,200 votes and Hayatu-Deen got 200 votes.
The trend continued in Sokoto State, where Atiku recorded 68,823 votes, leaving Amaechi with 292 votes and Hayatu-Deen with 319 votes.
In Zamfara State, Atiku also maintained dominance with 60,500 votes, while Hayatu-Deen and Amaechi secured 436 and 191 votes respectively.
As collation progresses across other states and the Federal Capital Territory, Atiku’s supporters remain optimistic that the former vice president will emerge as the ADC’s flagbearer for the 2027 presidential election.