May 27, 2026
By Luminous Jannamike
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar took a commanding early lead in the African Democratic Congress presidential primary on Tuesday night, polling more than 1.4 million votes across 24 states and the Federal Capital Territory before the exercise was abruptly adjourned near midnight.
The results announced before the adjournment suggested that what began as a competitive three-way race was rapidly turning into a one-sided contest, with Atiku overwhelming his rivals in several northern states and opening margins increasingly difficult to close as collation moved toward its final stretch mathematically.
The scale of some of the figures announced at the venue also triggered quiet discussions among delegates and party officials about turnout strength, regional dominance and the widening gap between the former vice president and his challengers.
