Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has emerged as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following the party’s nationwide primary election ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku secured a total of 1,846,370 votes to defeat former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, who polled 504,117 votes in the contest.
Speaking after he was declared winner, Atiku described the victory as a “singular honour” and pledged to lead the party into the next election with a commitment to restoring democracy and rebuilding the country.
The former vice president stated that the ADC primary demonstrated that internal democracy remains alive despite what he described as growing political intimidation under the ruling government.
According to him, party members were given the freedom to contest and pursue their ambitions through what he called a transparent and credible process.
Atiku further explained that the coalition behind the ADC was built on sacrifices and compromises aimed at rescuing Nigeria’s democracy from what he termed its “greatest threat” since the return to civilian rule in 1999.
He also accused the ruling government of allegedly fueling crises within opposition parties through the involvement of the electoral commission and elements within the judiciary.
The ADC candidate condemned the continued detention of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, claiming the opposition figure had remained in custody for months despite court orders granting him bail.
According to Atiku, opposition politicians are allegedly being pressured to defect to the ruling party through harassment and intimidation by anti-corruption and security agencies.
“Once a person joins the APC, the harassment ceases and the charges against them magically disappear. This abuse of power must stop,” he said.
Atiku also warned against any attempt to interfere in the affairs of the ADC, insisting that the party would resist actions aimed at weakening the coalition.
He congratulated other contestants who participated in the primary election and urged party members to remain united ahead of the general election.
According to him, the party must focus on addressing worsening insecurity, economic hardship, political intolerance, and what he described as attempts to create a one-party state.
He stressed that the primary victory was not a time for celebration but a call for unity, strategy, and preparation for the “real hard work” of campaigning ahead of the 2027 elections.
Atiku also commended the party’s election committee, stakeholders, and volunteers for conducting what he described as a peaceful and transparent exercise.
