Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has moved ahead in the ongoing African Democratic Congress presidential primary after recording victories in five states as delegates continue voting to decide the party’s candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
The exercise, which is taking place across the country ahead of the next election cycle, features Atiku, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen. Early figures from some states placed Atiku in front while party officials continue collation of results from the remaining states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Results gathered from the opening stages of the exercise showed Atiku securing wins in Gombe, Abia, Ebonyi, Sokoto and Zamfara, giving him an early advantage in the race.
In Gombe State, Atiku recorded 139,334 votes, while Amaechi finished behind with 1,150 votes and Hayatu-Deen received 464 votes.
The former vice president also came out ahead in Abia State with 25,153 votes. Amaechi secured 18,339 votes while Hayatu-Deen polled 3,264 votes.
In Ebonyi State, Atiku maintained his lead after collecting 15,300 votes. Amaechi scored 2,200 votes and Hayatu-Deen received 200 votes.
Sokoto followed a similar pattern as Atiku polled 68,823 votes, leaving Amaechi with 292 votes and Hayatu-Deen with 319 votes.
In Zamfara State, Atiku again finished ahead after securing 60,500 votes. Hayatu-Deen got 436 votes while Amaechi polled 191 votes.
The primary election is being closely watched as opposition parties continue discussions and political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election. Atiku, who previously contested for the presidency under the Peoples Democratic Party in 2019 and 2023, remains one of the leading figures in opposition politics.
Amaechi entered the contest with a campaign focused on institutional reforms and internal party processes, while Hayatu-Deen built his campaign around economic changes and private sector participation.
Party officials are expected to announce the final outcome after collation of results from all states and the FCT.