Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar recorded a resounding victory in the presidential primary election of the African Democratic Congress in Sokoto State on Monday, securing an overwhelming 69,431 votes to defeat his rivals by a wide margin.
The result was officially declared at the ADC State Secretariat in Sokoto by the Returning Officer, Professor Aminu Abubakar Illela, before party leaders, delegates and stakeholders drawn from across the state.
Announcing the outcome, Prof. Illela disclosed that Atiku overwhelmingly won the primary after polling 69,431 valid votes cast during the exercise.
According to him, former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi secured 292 votes, while businessman and economist, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, garnered 319 votes.
The returning officer described the exercise as peaceful, transparent and credible, commending delegates and party officials for demonstrating maturity and discipline throughout the process.
“By the powers vested in me as the Returning Officer for this presidential primary election, I hereby declare Alhaji Atiku Abubakar winner of the Sokoto State ADC presidential primary, having polled the highest number of valid votes cast,” Prof. Illela announced.
The declaration sparked jubilation at the party secretariat as supporters and loyalists erupted into celebration, chanting solidarity songs and expressing optimism that Atiku remains a formidable force ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Party stakeholders who reacted shortly after the announcement said the outcome reflected widespread confidence in Atiku’s leadership credentials, political experience and national appeal.
They maintained that the massive support recorded in Sokoto State underscored the growing acceptance of the ADC as a credible political platform capable of providing alternative leadership for Nigeria.
The stakeholders further argued that Nigerians were increasingly looking toward experienced leaders with the capacity to tackle the nation’s economic hardship, insecurity and governance challenges.
Officials of the party noted that the primary election, monitored by electoral observers and party representatives, marked another significant step toward strengthening internal democracy within the ADC as preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.
