Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has emerged as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, for the 2027 general election following a decisive victory in the party’s nationwide primaries.
The outcome of the exercise marks a significant political milestone for Atiku, who continues to position himself at the centre of Nigeria’s growing opposition coalition ahead of the next presidential contest.
The ADC primaries, conducted through the direct voting system across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, witnessed strong participation from party members, with Atiku defeating former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen to secure the party’s ticket.
Results released from several states showed the former vice president establishing an early lead which he maintained throughout the exercise. In Edo State alone, Atiku polled 17,729 votes to defeat Amaechi, who secured 10,116 votes, while Hayatu-Deen garnered 1,906 votes.
The former vice president also recorded impressive victories in Sokoto, Osun and other strategic states, further underlining his dominance within the party and strengthening his influence across key political blocs.
Political analysts say the victory is likely to reinforce Atiku’s standing as the leading face of the opposition movement seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in 2027.
The primaries come amid ongoing political realignments across the country, with several politicians and stakeholders reportedly gravitating towards the ADC as part of efforts to build a broader coalition ahead of the next election cycle.
Speaking after his emergence, Atiku expressed appreciation to party members for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to provide experienced leadership capable of addressing Nigeria’s economic hardship, insecurity and governance challenges.
He also called for unity within the party, urging aggrieved members to work collectively towards strengthening the ADC ahead of the presidential election.
However, the exercise was not without controversy as Amaechi reportedly rejected aspects of the results, alleging irregularities and voter disenfranchisement in some states. The former Rivers State governor hinted at possible legal action, insisting that the process failed to reflect the true wishes of party members in certain areas.
Despite the protest, ADC officials maintained that the primaries were transparent, credible and conducted in line with the party’s constitution.
Atiku’s emergence is expected to trigger fresh political calculations across party lines as preparations gradually intensify for what many observers believe could become one of the most fiercely contested presidential elections in Nigeria’s democratic history.
