Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has emerged as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after winning the party’s primary election, a development that has already triggered fresh tension within the opposition coalition over zoning and regional balance ahead of the 2027 general election.
Atiku formally accepted the party’s nomination in Abuja on Wednesday night after he was presented with the ADC flag by the party’s National Chairman, David Mark.
The former vice president defeated former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen in the contest, polling about 1.8 million votes against Amaechi’s 504,117 and Hayatu-Deen’s 177,120 votes.
His victory followed overwhelming support from delegates in several northern states, where he opened wide margins early in the race. Atiku dominated states such as Kano, Gombe, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara, while Amaechi recorded stronger performances in parts of the South-South.
However, the primary outcome has exposed growing cracks within the ADC-led opposition alliance, with many southern stakeholders questioning the decision to field another northern candidate barely one term after power returned to the South with the election of President Bola Tinubu in 2023.
The zoning debate, which contributed significantly to the internal crisis that weakened the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before the 2023 elections, appears to have resurfaced within the ADC coalition.
Several southern politicians are reportedly worried that Atiku’s emergence could weaken the coalition’s appeal in the South-East, South-South and parts of the South-West where power rotation remains a sensitive political issue.
Youth leaders within the ADC in Enugu had earlier warned that supporting another northern candidate does not align with the mood in the South-East, insisting that equity demands that the presidency remain in the South until 2031.
Political analysts say the development now raises serious questions about the ability of the coalition to remain united ahead of the 2027 election.
There are concerns that the opposition may struggle to build a broad national alliance if influential southern figures feel sidelined after the primary.
Although ADC leaders have maintained that all aspirants agreed to support whoever emerged as candidate, supporters of Amaechi are said to be dissatisfied with the process and believe the zoning issue was intentionally ignored.
Some members of Amaechi’s camp fear that the coalition could gradually become dominated by northern political interests now that Atiku has secured the ticket.
Observers warn that any withdrawal of support by Amaechi or his allies could weaken the party’s influence in Rivers State and other parts of the South-South where the former governor still commands political structures.
The situation has become more significant following reports that Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, may no longer be part of the coalition arrangement.
Analysts believe the ADC would require strong support across the South to stand a realistic chance against President Tinubu in 2027, noting that presidential elections in Nigeria are usually decided through broad regional alliances.
Meanwhile, former ADC National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, said the party leadership was taking steps to address concerns arising from the primary.
He stressed that the party remained committed to internal democracy and preserving unity within the coalition.
Former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Hazeem Gbolarumi, also cautioned against writing off the opposition alliance, arguing that political negotiations could still strengthen the coalition before the next election.
Veteran journalist and ADC chieftain, Dele Momodu, equally defended the conduct of the primary election following allegations of irregularities raised by Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen.
Momodu urged the aggrieved aspirants to remain calm and avoid actions capable of creating further division within the party.
“If they truly want to remove Tinubu, then this is not the time for this type of bickering,” he said.
The presidential primary, conducted in Abuja, was temporarily suspended on Tuesday night before final collation resumed on Wednesday.
Chairman of the Primary Election Committee, Ikechi Emenike, said the adjournment became necessary to allow Muslim party members celebrate Eid-el-Kabir and because some returning officers experienced travel difficulties.
Before the suspension, Atiku had already established a commanding lead after results from 24 states and the Federal Capital Territory were announced.
In Kano State, the former vice president polled 155,595 votes, while Amaechi secured 9,994 votes and Hayatu-Deen scored 15,914.
Atiku also posted massive victories in Gombe, Sokoto and Borno states, reinforcing his dominance in the race.
Amaechi’s strongest performances came in Benue, Taraba and Kogi states, though the margins were not enough to close the widening gap.
With the primary now concluded, attention has shifted to whether the ADC can successfully manage its internal disagreements and maintain the unity needed to mount a strong challenge against the ruling APC in 2027.
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