Atiku emerges ADC presidential candidate after defeating Amaechi, Hayatu-Deen

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

The result of the exercise was announced on Wednesday night by the returning officer of the primary election, Tunde Ogbeha.

According to the results, Atiku polled 1,846,370 votes to defeat Amaechi, who secured 504,117 votes, while Hayatu-Deen got 177,120 votes.

Following his victory, Atiku was presented with the ADC flag as the party’s standard-bearer for the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking after the announcement, the former vice-president called on his co-contestants to unite with him, saying there was “no winner and no vanquished” in the contest.

ADC National Chairman David Mark described the primary as free, fair and credible, despite concerns raised over the process.

Mark also disclosed that he came under pressure to influence the outcome of the election but insisted that the party leadership did not work towards a predetermined result.

Atiku is expected to face President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 presidential election.