ABUJA: Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has emerged as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections after defeating former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, in the party’s presidential primary.
The announcement was made on Wednesday as party officials declared Atiku winner of the keenly contested primary election.
According to the results announced by the ADC, Atiku secured a total of 1,846,370 votes to defeat Amaechi, who polled 504,117 votes.
The victory marks another major political comeback for the former vice president, who has remained one of Nigeria’s most influential opposition figures for over two decades.
Atiku’s emergence is expected to significantly reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 presidential election as opposition parties intensify efforts to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress.
The ADC primary had generated nationwide attention following the involvement of high-profile politicians and increasing speculations about possible alliances among opposition leaders ahead of the next election cycle.
Political observers believe Atiku’s victory could trigger fresh political realignments, especially among opposition blocs seeking to build a stronger coalition against the APC.
Amaechi, a former Minister of Transportation and influential political figure from Rivers State, was considered one of Atiku’s strongest challengers during the primary contest.
Although details of Atiku’s acceptance speech were still emerging as of press time, party supporters across several states reportedly celebrated the outcome shortly after the announcement.
The development comes amid growing political activities across the country as major parties prepare for what is expected to be one of Nigeria’s most fiercely contested presidential elections.
Atiku, who previously contested presidential elections under the Peoples Democratic Party and other political platforms, now carries the ADC’s hopes of securing power at the national level in 2027.
More details later.
