The ADC presidential primary in Ondo State ended with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar securing a decisive victory after polling 18,287 votes across the state’s 18 local government areas. The exercise, conducted by the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections, saw Atiku defeat former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and businessman Hayatudeen Muhammed. The outcome of the presidential primary reinforced Atiku’s growing momentum within the party as political realignments continue ahead of the next presidential election.
The African Democratic Congress has intensified internal political activities ahead of the 2027 elections as opposition parties continue efforts to strengthen their national structures. The party has recently attracted prominent political figures and former officeholders amid growing political movements across Nigeria.
The ADC presidential primary in Ondo formed part of nationwide state-level presidential primary exercises being conducted by the party. Atiku Abubakar, who previously served as Nigeria’s Vice President, has remained one of the leading opposition figures in Nigeria’s political landscape over the past two decades.
Other aspirants participating in the contest included former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, alongside economist and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.
Results announced by the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Mr Ajibola Samuel, showed that Atiku secured 18,287 votes to emerge winner of the Ondo State exercise of the ADC presidential primary. According to the declared figures, Amaechi came second with 6,031 votes, while Hayatudeen Muhammed scored 837 votes.
The voting exercise covered all 18 local government areas of Ondo State, with party officials describing the process as part of preparations for the party’s broader national campaign structure ahead of 2027.
Speaking after the announcement, Ondo State ADC Chairman, Hon. Tola Alabere, said the party was gaining strength and positioning itself as a major opposition force ahead of future elections. He stated, “We have prepared for them, and you can see it yourself now. We are on ground.”
Alabere said the party intended to campaign on issues affecting Nigerians, including economic hardship, insecurity, and rising living costs. He also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of attempting to weaken opposition parties but claimed the strategy was failing as more Nigerians joined the ADC.
The Ondo ADC chairman further disclosed that more than 4,000 new members reportedly joined the party in Jigawa State on the same day the Independent National Electoral Commission allegedly removed the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from the ADC portal.
ADC presidential primary in Ondo also coincided with other party developments in the state. Alabere announced that former Senator Ayo Akinyelure had joined the ADC and was adopted as the party’s candidate for Ondo Central Senatorial District, while Hon. Gbenga Edema emerged as the candidate for the Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency seat.
The outcome of the ADC presidential primary in Ondo may strengthen Atiku’s standing within the party ahead of the 2027 elections. Political analysts say the large margin recorded in the state reflects growing support structures being built by the former vice president within the ADC.
The result may also intensify political competition among opposition parties seeking broader coalitions against the ruling APC ahead of the next election cycle. Observers note that the ADC presidential primary results across states will likely shape negotiations, alliances, and campaign strategies as parties continue nationwide mobilisation.
