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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has taken an early commanding lead in the African Democratic Congress presidential primaries after securing victories in at least five states as collation of results continues nationwide. Early figures released from different parts of the country showed Atiku outperforming fellow aspirants Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen in the race to become the ADC presidential candidate for the 2027 elections. 
According to results obtained from state collation centres, Atiku has already emerged victorious in Gombe, Abia, Ebonyi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states, significantly boosting his chances of clinching the party’s presidential ticket. Some additional reports also suggested he recorded strong performances in Osun and Anambra as more results continued to arrive at the national collation centre in Abuja. The primaries were conducted using the direct voting method after attempts to produce a consensus candidate among the aspirants reportedly failed. 
The ongoing contest has, however, been overshadowed by allegations of irregularities and internal tension within the ADC. Former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi rejected the process earlier, accusing party officials of voter disenfranchisement and manipulation of results in several states. Mohammed Hayatu-Deen also distanced himself from the exercise, alleging widespread rigging and refusing to attend the official announcement of results. Their protests have intensified concerns over possible divisions within the opposition party despite the growing momentum surrounding Atiku’s candidacy. 
Political analysts say Atiku’s strong early performance reflects his continued influence across Northern Nigeria and parts of the South-East despite multiple presidential defeats in previous election cycles. The ADC primaries are being closely watched nationally because the party has recently attracted several opposition figures amid ongoing coalition talks aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu and the APC in 2027. With collation still ongoing, observers believe the final outcome could significantly reshape opposition politics and alliance negotiations ahead of the next general election. 
