Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has taken an early lead in the presidential primaries of the African Democratic Congress, securing victories in five states as delegates across the country vote to determine the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 presidential election.

The contest, which has attracted national attention ahead of the next electoral cycle, is being contested by Atiku, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.

Although the party’s national leadership is yet to formally announce the final collated results from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, figures obtained across some states showed Atiku maintaining a commanding lead in the early rounds of counting.

The former vice president reportedly won in Gombe, Abia, Ebonyi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states, strengthening expectations that he may emerge as the party’s presidential candidate if the trend continues.

In Gombe State, results announced by the Returning Officer, Prof. David Agbu, showed that Atiku polled 139,334 votes. Amaechi came in a distant second with 1,150 votes, while Hayatu-Deen secured 464 votes.

Atiku also topped the poll in Abia State, garnering 25,153 votes ahead of Amaechi, who scored 18,339 votes. Hayatu-Deen received 3,264 votes.

In Ebonyi State, the former vice president recorded another overwhelming victory. Results announced by the ADC National Vice Chairman (Diaspora), Fred Onwe, indicated that Atiku secured 15,300 votes, while Amaechi polled 2,200 votes and Hayatu-Deen managed 200 votes.

The Sokoto results further underscored Atiku’s dominance in the early stages of the exercise. He polled 68,823 votes, leaving Amaechi with 292 votes and Hayatu-Deen with 319 votes.

A similar pattern emerged in Zamfara State, where Atiku obtained 60,500 votes. Hayatu-Deen scored 436 votes, while Amaechi secured 191 votes.

The ongoing primary is seen as a major test of strength within the ADC as opposition parties continue realignments ahead of the 2027 general election. Atiku, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2019 and 2023 elections, has remained one of the most influential figures in Nigeria’s opposition politics.

Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State and ex-chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, entered the race promising institutional reforms and stronger internal party democracy, while Hayatu-Deen campaigned on economic restructuring and private sector-driven growth.

Political observers say the ADC primary is likely to shape coalition talks among opposition blocs seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2027.

Party officials are expected to announce the complete results later today after collation from the remaining states and the Federal Capital Territory. (PUNCH)

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