ADC Presidential Primary: Atiku Defeats Amaechi, Hayatudeen in Imo Landslide Victory

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has secured a sweeping victory in the African Democratic Congress presidential primary election conducted in Imo State.

The former presidential candidate overwhelmingly defeated his rivals across the 305 political wards and 27 local government areas of the state during the party exercise held on Monday.

Announcing the result in Owerri, the Chairman of the ADC National Presidential Primary Electoral Panel in Imo State, Eko Atu, declared Atiku winner after polling 52,200 votes.

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, came second with 7,659 votes, while presidential aspirant Mohammed Hayatudeen secured 1,121 votes to finish third.

The outcome further strengthens Atiku’s influence within the party as political alignments ahead of the 2027 general election continue to gather momentum.

Speaking after the announcement, Atu commended party members and officials in Imo State for ensuring a peaceful and orderly exercise.

He particularly praised the leadership of the party in the state under James Okoroma for creating what he described as an enabling environment for the electoral panel to carry out its responsibilities successfully.

“Atiku’s triumph in Imo positioned him for eventual victory in the state, which is the stronghold of ADC in the South East,” Atu stated.

The result is expected to further intensify political conversations within opposition circles as parties begin strategic preparations for the next presidential election.

Atiku remains one of Nigeria’s most prominent opposition figures, while Amaechi’s participation in the primary highlighted growing competition among heavyweight politicians seeking new political platforms ahead of 2027.

Political observers say the Imo result may also influence voting patterns in other South-East states where coalition talks and opposition realignments are already gaining attention.