Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has emerged as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress for the 2027 general election.
The result was announced on Wednesday night at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, where party leaders, led by Senator David Mark, formally presented the party flag to Mr Abubakar after his victory in the primary.
He defeated former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen in the contest.
According to the official results, Atiku polled 1,846,370 votes, Amaechi scored 504,117, while Hayatu-Deen got 177,120 votes.
“No winners, no losers” — Atiku calls for unity
Speaking after his emergence, Mr Abubakar urged aggrieved aspirants and party members to close ranks and work together ahead of the 2027 elections.
“I therefore appeal to all those who feel aggrieved to come back to our party and close ranks with the rest of us,” Mr Abubakar said.
He specifically called on his former rivals to join him in rebuilding the party.
“In particular, I invite Chief Rotimi Amaechi and Alhaji Muhammad Hayatu-Deen to join me in this fight to save our democracy and our country.”
Mr Abubakar insisted that the outcome of the primary should not divide the party, stressing that internal competition should strengthen rather than weaken unity.
“As I said previously, there are no winners and no losers. Our people look up to us for leadership and I am ready to lead.”
Disputes over primary process
However, both Mr Amaechi and Mr Hayatu-Deen reportedly rejected the outcome, alleging irregularities and manipulation in the voting process. Mr Hayatu-Deen also declined to attend the official announcement of results.
Despite the disputes, Mr Abubakar maintained that the process reflected internal democracy within the ADC and should be seen as a step forward for opposition politics in Nigeria.
“Democracy is alive” — Atiku
The former Vice President said the ADC primary demonstrated that democratic processes can still function in opposition parties despite challenges in the wider political environment.
“We constructed that while democracy is being strangled and squashed by the ruling party… democracy is alive and well in the African Democratic Congress,” he said.
He also alleged that opposition figures were facing political pressure and urged members to remain focused.
Policy priorities ahead of 2027
Mr Abubakar outlined key priorities for the party ahead of the general election, including security reform, education, healthcare, and economic restructuring.
He pledged to strengthen security institutions, expand access to education, and address what he described as worsening economic hardship.
On education, he promised reforms aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children, including the introduction of free and compulsory basic education if elected.
He also criticised Nigeria’s economic direction, arguing that poverty levels and inflation have worsened under current policies.
The ADC presidential primary began on Monday, 25 May 2026, using a direct primary system after attempts at consensus reportedly failed among the three major aspirants.
The exercise is seen as a major test of opposition unity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with analysts watching how internal disputes are managed going forward.
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