Atiku Wins ADC Presidential Ticket

By Babatunji Wusu

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has emerged as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 general election after defeating Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen in the party’s primary election.

The result of the keenly contested exercise was announced on Wednesday night through a statement published on the party’s official X account.

According to the figures released by the party, Atiku Abubakar secured a commanding victory with 1,855,787 votes. Former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi finished second with 509,397 votes, while former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen polled 180,903 votes.

The statement from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) confirmed that a total of 2,546,457 votes were cast during the primary election out of the party’s total membership strength of 3,113,599 eligible participants.

“Atiku defeats Amaechi, Hayatudeen to secure ADC Presidential Ticket.

“Final result: Atiku 1,855,787, Amaechi 509,397, Hayatudeen 180,903. Total votes cast in the election: 2,546,457. Total party membership for the election: 3,113,599. Congratulations to Waziri Atiku,” the statement added.

The ADC presidential ticket contest followed the party’s decision to adopt the direct primary system after attempts to produce a consensus candidate reportedly failed.

Party leaders had earlier explored the option of using an affirmation process before eventually settling for direct primaries in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

The victory now positions Atiku Abubakar as the party’s standard bearer ahead of preparations for the 2027 presidential election campaign.