By Christian Abolu 

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has emerged as the early frontrunner in the presidential primary election of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), ahead of the 2027 general election.

Atiku recorded victories in six states in results released so far from the ongoing nationwide exercise.

The former vice president is leading ahead of his major challengers, former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.

Although the ADC national leadership is yet to officially announce collated nationwide results, figures obtained from state collation centres and party officials indicate a strong early lead for Atiku.

In Gombe State, Atiku polled 139,334 votes, while Amaechi secured 1,150 votes and Hayatu-Deen recorded 464 votes.

Results from Abia State showed Atiku scoring 25,153 votes against Amaechi’s 18,339 votes and Hayatu-Deen’s 3,264 votes.

In Ebonyi State, Atiku polled 15,300 votes, while Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen recorded 2,200 and 200 votes respectively.

The former vice president also secured victory in Sokoto State with 69,431 votes, ahead of Amaechi’s 292 votes and Hayatu-Deen’s 319 votes.

In Zamfara State, Atiku polled 60,500 votes, while Hayatu-Deen secured 436 votes and Amaechi got 191 votes.

Similarly, in Osun State, Atiku reportedly won across the 30 local government areas of the state.

Chairman of the Electoral Committee in the state, Adepoju Abimbola, said Atiku polled 12,321 votes.

According to a statement issued by the ADC Publicity Secretary, Seun Abosede, Hayatu-Deen came second in the state with 4,000 votes, while Amaechi secured 679 votes.

Party officials said the nationwide collation of results was still ongoing as the ADC prepares to officially announce the final outcome of the presidential primary election.