Atiku clinches ADC presidential ticket ahead of 2027 elections
A breakdown of the figures showed that Atiku defeated Amaechi with a margin of 1,346,390 votes, while maintaining a lead of 1,674,884 votes over Hayatu-Deen.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has emerged as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress for the 2027 general election after securing a decisive victory in the party’s nationwide primary election.
The outcome of the contest was officially announced late Wednesday night through a statement published on the party’s verified X (formerly Twitter) account. According to the results released by the party, Atiku defeated former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen by a wide margin to clinch the party’s presidential ticket.
The ADC stated that Atiku polled a total of 1,855,787 votes, while Amaechi secured 509,397 votes and Hayatu-Deen garnered 180,903 votes.
The party also disclosed that 2,546,457 votes were cast during the exercise out of a total membership strength of 3,113,599 eligible participants nationwide.
A breakdown of the figures showed that Atiku defeated Amaechi with a margin of 1,346,390 votes, while maintaining a lead of 1,674,884 votes over Hayatu-Deen.
In its announcement, the party congratulated the former vice president, referring to him by his traditional title, Waziri Atiku.
The presidential primary process reportedly began on Monday, May 25, 2026, with party members across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory participating in the exercise.
Party officials explained that the ADC adopted the direct primary method after efforts to persuade the leading aspirants to support a consensus arrangement failed. Although the party initially considered an affirmation process, leaders later resolved to conduct a competitive primary election in compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
Political observers believe Atiku’s emergence could significantly reshape the opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 presidential election, especially as major parties continue internal consultations and coalition discussions.
Atiku, who previously served as Nigeria’s vice president between 1999 and 2007, has contested the presidency multiple times and remains one of the country’s most influential opposition figures.
More reactions from party stakeholders and political analysts are expected in the coming days as preparations for the 2027 general election intensify across the country.
