Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has emerged as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 general elections after winning the party’s primary election.

The results were announced on Wednesday night by the returning officer of the exercise, Tunde Ogbeha.

According to the declared figures, Atiku secured 1,846,370 votes to defeat his challengers and clinch the party’s presidential ticket.

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Atiku contested the ADC primary alongside former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.

Amaechi reportedly polled 504,117 votes, while Hayatu-Deen secured 177,120 votes.

The ADC stated that its registered membership stood at 3,113,599, while total votes cast during the primary election amounted to 2,527,977.

The outcome positions Atiku once again as a major contender in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Disputes Trail Primary Election

Despite the announcement of results, the primary election was not without controversy.

Both Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen reportedly rejected the outcome of the exercise, alleging irregularities, lack of transparency, and procedural violations during the primary process.

Their objections have added tension to the post-primary atmosphere within the ADC, raising questions about internal party unity ahead of the general election campaign.

Political observers say how the party manages the grievances of aggrieved aspirants may influence its stability and electoral strength moving forward.

Dele Momodu Speaks on Peter Obi’s Exit

Meanwhile, prominent ADC chieftain Dele Momodu has claimed that former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi quietly exited the ADC because he recognised Atiku’s political advantage within the party.

Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, Momodu described Obi’s withdrawal from the ADC as strategic and respectful.

According to him, Obi understood the political realities within the party and acknowledged Atiku’s nationwide political structure and influence.

Momodu suggested that Obi did not believe he had sufficient strength to defeat Atiku in the ADC presidential primary contest.

Political Realignments Intensify Ahead of 2027

The ADC primary and subsequent reactions highlight the increasing political realignments already shaping the 2027 election landscape.

With Atiku now formally carrying the ADC presidential ticket, attention is expected to shift toward coalition talks, opposition strategies, and possible alliances among political actors across the country.

Analysts believe the coming months could witness further defections, negotiations, and restructuring within opposition parties as preparations intensify ahead of the next general elections.

Growing National Attention

Atiku’s victory is likely to further energise political debate nationwide, especially given his long-standing involvement in presidential politics and his influence within opposition circles.

The emergence of the ADC as a platform attracting high-profile politicians also reflects the broader shifts taking place within Nigeria’s party system ahead of the 2027 race.

As reactions continue to emerge, political stakeholders are closely watching how both the ADC and rival parties reposition themselves for what is expected to become a highly competitive presidential contest.