BREAKING: Atiku, Amaechi, Hayatu-Deen Intensify ADC Presidential Battle Nationwide

According to a report by Arise News on Tuesday May 26th 2026, The race for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) 2027 presidential ticket reached a fever pitch on Monday as heavyweights Atiku Abubakar, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen battled for delegates’ votes across 8,809 wards nationwide.

‎The direct primary election, triggered by the party’s inability to produce a consensus candidate, has transformed into a high-stakes showdown that could reshape the opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

‎ ‎As results filter into the central collation centers from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), early trends indicate a highly competitive contest with regional strongholds playing a decisive role.

‎Atiku Abubakar secured dominant victories in key northern strongholds, including Sokoto and Yobe. In Zamfara State, Atiku scored a landslide victory, polling 60,500 votes out of 61,137 valid votes cast, while Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen secured 191 and 446 votes respectively.

‎Rotimi Amaechi, the former Minister of Transportation and Governor of Rivers State, maintained a fierce grip on his traditional southern strongholds, routing opponents in Rivers State and showcasing formidable strength in select southeastern states like Ebonyi.

‎Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, the veteran banker and economist, gathered significant momentum in parts of the North-East and North-Central zones, appealing heavily to delegates seeking technocratic leadership.

‎Speaking shortly after casting his vote, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar praised the conduct of the primary. He described the direct voting format across thousands of wards as a shining pathway to rebuilding Nigeria’s democracy, commending party members for their massive turnout.

‎Conversely, Rotimi Amaechi struck a more cautious tone. While acknowledging the enthusiasm of voters, Amaechi warned that he would only accept the final outcome if the collation process remained strictly transparent, credible, and free from internal manipulation.

‎Meanwhile, Hayatu-Deen positioned himself as the vital alternative to recycled politics. Over the weekend, he had cautioned the party against fielding candidates carrying old political burdens, urging members to view Monday’s exercise not just as an internal affair, but as a critical decision to offer Nigerians genuine rescue.