Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has taken an early lead in the presidential primary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), winning five states as delegates across the country continue voting ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku reportedly secured victories in Gombe, Abia, Ebonyi, Sokoto and Zamfara, placing him ahead of other contenders in the ongoing contest.
In Gombe State, he polled a landslide 139,334 votes, far ahead of former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, who scored 1,150 votes, while economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen trailed with 464 votes.
He also won in Abia State with 25,153 votes, defeating Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen, who scored 18,339 and 3,264 votes respectively.
In Ebonyi State, Atiku again dominated with 15,300 votes, while Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen polled 2,200 and 200 votes.
Similar patterns emerged in Sokoto and Zamfara, where the former vice president maintained a clear lead over his rivals.
The ADC primary, which is yet to be fully collated, is being closely watched as opposition figures position themselves ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Party officials are expected to announce the final results after collation from all states and the Federal Capital Territory.
