Atiku leads ADC presidential primaries, wins five states

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has taken an early lead in the presidential primaries of the African Democratic Congress, winning five states as voting continues nationwide.

Atiku, who is contesting alongside Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has so far secured victories in Gombe, Abia, Ebonyi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states.

Results from the early rounds show a commanding lead for the former vice president, with wide margins over his opponents in most of the states declared.

The ADC is yet to officially announce final results from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, but the early outcome has boosted expectations that Atiku could emerge as the party’s presidential candidate.

The primary is being closely watched as opposition parties continue realignments ahead of the 2027 general election, with analysts saying the outcome could influence coalition talks against the ruling All Progressives Congress.