Atiku Abubakar wins ADC presidential primary for 2027 election

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will be the presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the 2027 general election. The party announced his victory on Wednesday night, stating that Abubakar defeated former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen. The final results showed Abubakar securing 1,855,787 votes, Amaechi receiving 509,397, and Hayatu-Deen obtaining 180,903, out of a total of 2,546,457 votes cast. Abubakar won by a substantial margin of 1,346,390 votes over Amaechi. The ADC conducted its presidential primary process across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory starting Monday, May 25, 2026. The party chose the direct primary method after its three main aspirants reportedly declined to step down for a consensus candidate. Party leaders stated that the direct primary route was adopted in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026, despite an initial consideration for an affirmation process.