May 27, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has emerged victorious in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary election, securing the party’s ticket for the 2027 presidential race after a landslide win over former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and ex-banker, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.
The dramatic outcome of the fiercely contested primary election was officially announced on Wednesday night by the ADC leadership after party members across Nigeria concluded voting in the nationwide direct primary exercise.
According to the final results released by the party, Atiku polled an overwhelming 1,855,787 votes, defeating Amaechi who secured 509,397 votes, while Hayatu-Deen finished third with 180,903 votes.
The party statement read:
“Atiku defeats Amaechi, Hayatu-Deen to secure ADC Presidential Ticket.
Final result: Atiku 1,855,787, Amaechi 509,397, Hayatu-Deen 180,903.
Total votes cast: 2,546,457.
Total party membership for the election: 3,113,599.
Congratulations to Waziri Atiku.”
A breakdown of the results revealed that Atiku defeated Amaechi by a massive margin of 1,346,390 votes, further cementing his dominance within the opposition party ahead of the crucial 2027 general election.
The ADC primary process began on Monday, May 25, 2026, with accredited members from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory participating through the direct primary system adopted by the party.
Before the election, there were intense negotiations and pressure from some party stakeholders pushing for a consensus candidate to avoid internal divisions. However, Atiku, Amaechi, and Hayatu-Deen reportedly refused to step down for one another, forcing the party to proceed with a full-scale democratic contest.
Although a consensus arrangement was initially considered, the ADC leadership later insisted on the direct primary method, describing it as a move consistent with the Electoral Act 2026 and the party’s commitment to internal democracy.
Meanwhile, the election was not without controversy. On Tuesday, both Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen alleged irregularities in the process and reportedly boycotted the official announcement of the results.
Atiku’s emergence is already generating intense political reactions nationwide, with analysts predicting a major shake-up in Nigeria’s political landscape as opposition forces begin preparations to challenge the ruling party in 2027.
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