Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has emerged as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress for the 2027 general election after winning the party’s primary election.
The final results, announced on Wednesday night by the returning officer of the exercise, Tunde Ogbeha, showed that Atiku secured 1,846,370 votes to defeat former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and businessman, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.
Amaechi polled 504,117 votes, while Hayatu-Deen garnered 177,120 votes.
The party disclosed that its registered membership stands at 3,113,599, with a total of 2,527,977 votes cast during the primary election.
However, Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen rejected the outcome of the exercise, alleging irregularities, lack of transparency and violations in the conduct of the primary.
Speaking after his victory, Atiku expressed appreciation to party members for entrusting him with the party’s presidential ticket.
“I wish to express my profound appreciation for the privilege which you have bestowed on me of leading our great party, the African Democratic Congress, into the next elections as its presidential candidate,” he said.
The former vice president described the ADC as a platform where democracy remains active despite what he called attempts by the ruling government to suppress opposition voices.
According to him, the coalition behind the ADC was formed through sacrifices and compromises aimed at rescuing Nigeria’s democracy from what he described as growing threats under the ruling All Progressives Congress government.
Atiku accused the government of allegedly using state institutions to intimidate opposition figures and weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
He also referenced the detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, alleging that opposition leaders were being targeted for political reasons.
The ADC candidate further alleged that opposition politicians were being pressured to defect to the APC, claiming that anti-corruption agencies and security institutions were being weaponised against political opponents.
Atiku warned against any attempt by the Presidency, the Independent National Electoral Commission or the judiciary to interfere in the affairs of the ADC, insisting that such actions would be resisted.
He, however, called on party members and fellow aspirants to unite ahead of the 2027 elections, stressing that the focus should now shift to defeating the APC and addressing Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.
“With the primaries behind us, the real hard work is about to begin. We have to prepare to campaign hard to win the next general elections,” Atiku stated.Headline:
Atiku Wins ADC Presidential Ticket, Defeats Amaechi, Hayatu-Deen Ahead of 2027 Polls
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