Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has emerged as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after securing a decisive victory in the party's primary election held on Wednesday night. The outcome positions him for a major political showdown with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other opposition figures, including Peter Obi, in the race for Nigeria's highest office in 2027.
Atiku Defeats Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen
The returning officer for the exercise, Tunde Ogbeha, announced the results, revealing that Atiku secured a commanding total of 1,846,370 votes. Former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, came second with 504,117 votes, while Mohammed Hayatu-Deen polled 177,120 votes.
ADC Primary Reshapes Political Landscape
Atiku's victory is expected to significantly alter political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections, especially as opposition parties continue consultations and coalition talks. The former Vice-President had entered the race as one of the leading contenders following weeks of intense political mobilisation across several states.
With the ADC primary now concluded, political attention is expected to shift toward possible alliances, campaign strategies, and the broader contest involving the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and other opposition blocs. Observers believe Atiku's emergence could intensify competition ahead of the next presidential election as political activities gradually gather momentum nationwide.
Atiku Wins Three States
Atiku recorded decisive victories in three major states—Kano, Lagos, and Kebbi—during the ongoing ADC presidential primary. These results place him firmly ahead of other contenders, including Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, as the party continues collation nationwide.
