Former Vice President records overwhelming victories as opposition coalition gains strength ahead of next presidential election.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has tightened his hold on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential race after securing decisive victories in the party’s primaries held in Yobe, Zamfara and Sokoto states.
The results, announced by party officials on Monday, showed Atiku comfortably defeating his closest rivals, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, in all three northern states.
The victories have further strengthened speculation that Atiku remains the leading figure within the opposition coalition preparing for the 2027 presidential election.
Landslide Victory in Yobe
In Yobe State, Atiku emerged victorious with 44,841 votes. His closest challenger, Rotimi Amaechi, secured just 300 votes, while Mohammed Hayatu-Deen polled 365 votes.
Officials of the party described the exercise as peaceful and orderly, saying delegates participated freely without major incidents. Security operatives were also present at various voting centres to ensure calm throughout the process.
Supporters of the former vice president celebrated the outcome, describing it as proof of his continued popularity in northern Nigeria and within the ADC structure.
Zamfara Delegates Back Atiku
The story was not different in Zamfara State, where Atiku recorded another massive win. Results released by the state electoral committee showed he secured about 60,500 votes across the 14 local government areas of the state.
Amaechi received 191 votes, while Hayatu-Deen polled 446 votes. Party officials said the primary followed electoral guidelines and was monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Political observers say the overwhelming support Atiku received in Zamfara reflects growing efforts by opposition politicians to rally behind a familiar figure capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
Celebration Erupts in Sokoto
In Sokoto State, Atiku once again dominated the exercise, polling over 68,000 votes to defeat the other contenders by a wide margin. Amaechi secured 292 votes, while Hayatu-Deen received 319 votes.
Moments after the announcement, celebrations reportedly broke out among party supporters gathered at the ADC secretariat in Sokoto. Many of them expressed confidence that Atiku could lead a stronger opposition movement ahead of the next general election.
Growing Influence Ahead of 2027
Atiku’s victories in the three states are being viewed as a major political boost as conversations around opposition alliances continue to grow across the country.
The former vice president has remained one of Nigeria’s most visible opposition figures since leaving office, contesting several presidential elections under different political platforms.
Analysts believe the strong showing in northern states could give him a strategic advantage as more primaries are expected to hold in other parts of the country.
According to reports by Premium Times, party leaders praised the conduct of the exercises and called on members to remain united as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
