Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has taken a strong early lead in the presidential primary of the African Democratic Congress after securing victories in five states as voting and collation continue nationwide.
The ongoing contest, regarded as a key battle ahead of the 2027 general election, is being contested by Atiku, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.
Although the ADC leadership is yet to officially announce the final outcome of the primary election, early results from several states showed Atiku establishing a commanding advantage over his rivals.
The former Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate reportedly emerged victorious in Gombe, Abia, Ebonyi, Sokoto and Zamfara states.
In Gombe State, figures 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.
Atiku also led in Abia State with 25,153 votes ahead of Amaechi’s 18,339 votes, while Hayatu-Deen polled 3,264 votes.
Results from Ebonyi State, announced by the ADC National Vice Chairman (Diaspora), Fred Onwe, showed Atiku recording 15,300 votes. Amaechi scored 2,200 votes, while Hayatu-Deen secured 200 votes.
The former vice president maintained his dominance in Sokoto State where he polled 68,823 votes, leaving Amaechi with 292 votes and Hayatu-Deen with 319 votes.
In Zamfara State, Atiku further extended his lead with 60,500 votes, while Hayatu-Deen polled 436 votes and Amaechi received 191 votes.
The ADC primary is being closely watched amid ongoing political realignments and coalition discussions among opposition figures seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2027 elections.
Atiku, who flew the flag of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2019 and 2023 presidential elections, remains one of the leading opposition figures in the country.
Amaechi entered the race campaigning on institutional reforms and internal party democracy, while Hayatu-Deen focused his campaign on economic restructuring and private sector-driven growth.
Party officials are expected to announce the final collated results after votes from the remaining states and the Federal Capital Territory are concluded.