According to a report by PM News Nigeria on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has posted decisive victories in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary elections held across Yobe, Zamfara, and Sokoto states, strengthening his early lead in the party’s nationwide nomination process ahead of the 2027 general election.…....
Atiku recorded overwhelming margins against his closest rivals, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, according to official results released by returning officers in the affected states on Monday.
In Yobe State, the exercise produced a landslide outcome as Atiku secured 44,841 votes. Hayatu-Deen trailed far behind with 365 votes, while Amaechi polled 300 votes. The result was formally announced in Damaturu by the state electoral committee chairperson, Ma’am Kyari.
Kyari, while declaring the outcome, stated that Atiku emerged winner after scoring the highest number of valid votes cast. She noted that the process was conducted peacefully across polling units and adhered strictly to the party’s electoral guidelines. She also acknowledged the cooperation of party officials, voters, and security personnel throughout the exercise.
In Zamfara State, Atiku again recorded a commanding win, amassing 60,500 votes. The result was announced in Gusau by the Chairman of the ADC Presidential Primary Election Committee and Returning Officer, Namadi Musa.
According to Musa, Hayatu-Deen received 446 votes, while Amaechi polled 191 votes. He explained that the primary election was conducted across all 147 wards in the state’s 14 local government areas, in compliance with both party rules and relevant electoral provisions.
He further disclosed that 63,484 registered delegates were expected to participate, while a total of 61,137 valid votes were recorded. Musa emphasized that the exercise was orderly and transparent, with officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders present during collation.
“Having met all requirements and secured the highest number of votes, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is hereby declared the winner of the ADC presidential primary election in Zamfara State,” Musa announced.
In Sokoto State, Atiku consolidated his dominance with another strong performance, polling 68,823 votes across all 23 local government areas. The result was announced by Chief Collation Officer Aminu Abubakar.
He reported that Amaechi received 292 votes, while Hayatu-Deen secured 319 votes. Abubakar confirmed that the process was conducted peacefully and in line with the party’s constitution and electoral framework.
He added that Atiku, having scored the highest number of valid votes, was duly declared the winner of the Sokoto State primary exercise.
Prominent political figures, including Aminu Tambuwal, Munir Dan’iya, and Faruk Yabo, were present during the Sokoto collation exercise.
With these victories in three key northern states, Atiku Abubakar has secured a strong early advantage in the ADC presidential primary race as the party continues its nationwide delegate process ahead of the 2027 elections.
