Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has been declared the winner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary election, held across the country. Atiku secured a significant victory, polling 1,846,370 votes. His main opponents included former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, who received 504,117 votes, and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, who garnered 177,120 votes. Atiku's emergence as the flag bearer marks a pivotal moment for the party as it prepares for the upcoming general elections.

Speaking after his declaration, Atiku Abubakar expressed profound appreciation for the privilege bestowed upon him, acknowledging the singular honor of leading the ADC as its Presidential Candidate. He highlighted the ADC's commitment to democratic principles, stating, "We demonstrated that while democracy is being strangled and squashed by the ruling party and its oppressive and anti-democratic government, democracy is alive and well in the African Democratic Congress." He emphasized that within the ADC, members are allowed to express their views, have ambitions, and contest for elective positions through a free, fair, and transparent process.

Atiku described the ADC as a coalition built through immense sacrifices and compromises, driven by a determination to rescue Nigeria's democracy, which he believes is facing its greatest threat since 1999. He criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government, INEC, and elements within the judiciary for engineering leadership crises in virtually all opposition political parties. He further condemned the harassment and intimidation of opposition figures, citing the case of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, who has been detained for three months despite court orders granting him bail, and was denied the opportunity to celebrate religious holidays or be with his mother during her last moments. Atiku strongly denounced the government's practice of coercing opposition politicians to join the APC, often using security agencies and anti-corruption bodies, after which charges against them "magically disappear." He asserted that this abuse of power must cease.

The former Vice President also warned against any further interference in the affairs of the ADC by the Presidency, INEC, and the judiciary, stating that such attempts would be fiercely resisted. He mentioned that despite due diligence in forming the coalition, the government and INEC continue to undermine it, even attempting its deregistration. Atiku congratulated his fellow contestants, recognizing their patriotism and commitment to a better Nigeria. He acknowledged their shared concerns about the country's rapid descent into economic disaster, catastrophic insecurity, extreme nepotism, political intolerance, and the ruling government's drive towards a one-party state.

Emphasizing unity, Atiku stated, "this is not the time to celebrate. No one was defeated because we are one party and we all need to recognise the fierce urgency of the moment." He called for all members to unite and work together to pull the country and its people out of what he termed the "destructive grip of a corrupt, incompetent and polarising APC government." He extended his gratitude to the primary elections Committee for organizing peaceful, free, fair, and transparent primaries, as well as to various leadership organs, stakeholders, volunteers, and party members for their dedication and conduct.

Following the primary, an ADC chieftain, Kola Ologbondiyan, addressed potential grievances, calling on members with proof of result manipulation to approach the party’s appeal committee. Ologbondiyan, in an interview on Arise Television, assured that the party has established machinery to resolve internal matters, stating, “Allegations cannot just come without proofs. The party has already constituted an appeal committee. Those who can prove the allegations of manipulation can go to the appeal committee.”

Looking ahead, Atiku Abubakar announced his intention to personally visit former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen to seek their support in the upcoming general elections. He underscored the importance of bringing experience and credibility, noting that many leaders within the ADC have previous government experience. With the primaries concluded, Atiku stressed that the real hard work of campaigning to win the general elections and begin the difficult process of rescuing the country is about to begin.