Atiku Wins ADC Primary in Yobe with 740 Votes, Far Ahead of Rivals

Context The African Democratic Congress held its presidential primary on Saturday, with voting taking place in thousands of local wards nationwide. The exercise is part of the party’s process to select a candidate for the 2027 general election. Returns began to emerge from Yobe State, where former Vice President Atiku Abubakar faced former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.

Key Facts In Yobe, Atiku received 740 votes, while Amaechi garnered 15 votes and Hayatu-Deen obtained 2 votes, according to the returning officer’s announcement. The ADC reported that the primary was conducted in 8,809 wards nationwide, making it one of the party’s largest internal contests to date. After voting, Atiku posted on X that the outcome would help Nigeria recover.

What It Means The lopsided margin in Yobe underscores Atiku’s strong support base in the North East, a region that has historically been pivotal for national campaigns. It also highlights the limited traction of his rivals in that state during this primary round.

For the ADC, the result consolidates Atiku as the frontrunner for the party’s presidential ticket, though the contest continues in other wards where vote totals are still being collated. Observers note that the party’s ability to unify behind a single candidate could affect its performance in the upcoming election.

All eyes will now turn to the remaining ward results and the ADC’s national convention, where the final presidential nominee will be confirmed.