Atiku Defeats Amaechi, Hayatudeen to Secure ADC Presidential Ticket

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has emerged as the winner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary election across multiple states, defeating former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and businessman Mohammed Hayatudeen to position himself as the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 general election.

The results, announced between May 25 and May 27, 2026, show Atiku securing commanding leads in key states including Imo, Edo, Ebonyi, Abia, Gombe, Anambra, Kano, Lagos, and Kebbi. The primary, conducted in 8,809 wards nationwide, was described by party officials as largely peaceful and transparent.

In Imo State, Atiku polled 52,222 votes to defeat Amaechi who got 7,659 votes, while Hayatudeen came third with 1,121 votes. The Chairman of the Presidential Primary Election Committee, Eko Atu, said the exercise reflected the democratic ideals of the party. 68b8

Edo State,followed a similar pattern, with Atiku scoring 17,729 votes against Amaechi’s 10,116 and Hayatudeen’s 1,906 votes. The Returning Officer, Dr. Mabel Adimkwu, said accreditation was carried out across 192 wards in the 18 LGAs and the process was peaceful. d9e9

Atiku also dominated in *Ebonyi*, where he polled 15,300 votes. Amaechi secured 2,200 votes and Hayatudeen 200 votes out of 17,700 accredited voters. In *Abia*, the former VP recorded 25,153 votes, with Amaechi getting 18,339 and Hayatudeen 3,264.

Gombe State produced one of the widest margins, with Atiku scoring 139,334 votes compared to Amaechi’s 1,150 and Hayatudeen’s 465 votes out of 140,949 votes cast. In *Anambra*, Atiku got 58,566 votes, Amaechi 17,085, and Hayatudeen 7,861. 

The trend continued in *Kano*, where Atiku secured 155,995 votes, Amaechi 15,914, and Hayatudeen 9,994. *Lagos* and *Kebbi* also went to Atiku with 37,779 and 65,153 votes respectively. 

Amaechi managed to win only in *Bayelsa State*, where he polled 44,404 votes to defeat Atiku who got 6,570 votes, and Hayatudeen with 939 votes. The former Rivers governor had earlier vowed to reject the results if the process was not free and fair. 

Speaking after casting his vote in Jimeta, Adamawa State, Atiku commended the conduct of the primaries and said the outcome would help Nigeria recover. The ADC leadership in several states praised the orderly conduct of members and urged stakeholders to see the results as a collective victory for the party.

However, tensions remain in some states. In *Ebonyi*, factions of the ADC conducted parallel primaries, with one group declaring Atiku winner and another declaring Amaechi. Hayatudeen has also raised questions about the conduct of the primaries as final collation continues. 

Atiku’s victories across the North-West, South-East, South-South, and South-West give him a strong delegate base ahead of the national convention. His dominance in Kano, Lagos, and Kebbi—states with large voter populations—signals early momentum for his campaign.

Political analysts say the ADC primary shows the party is positioning itself as a viable alternative ahead of 2027, with Atiku’s name recognition and political structure giving him an edge over Amaechi and Hayatudeen.

The ADC is expected to formally ratify Atiku as its presidential candidate at the national convention later this year. If unchallenged, he will face candidates from the APC, PDP, and other parties in what is shaping up to be a competitive election.

For now, Atiku has cleared the first hurdle, but the party’s internal divisions and the outcome of ongoing petitions could still influence the final ticket.