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Ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar has taken an early lead in the presidential primaries of the African Democratic Congress, securing victories in five states as delegates across the country vote to determine the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 presidential election.

The contest, which has attracted national attention ahead of the next electoral cycle, is being contested by Atiku, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.

Although the party’s national leadership is yet to formally announce the final collated results from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, figures obtained across some states showed Atiku maintaining a commanding lead in the early rounds of counting.

The former vice president reportedly won in Gombe, Abia, Ebonyi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states, strengthening expectations that he may emerge as the party’s presidential candidate if the trend continues.

In Gombe State, results announced by the Returning Officer, Prof. David Agbu, showed that Atiku polled 139,334 votes. Amaechi came in a distant second with 1,150 votes, while Hayatu-Deen secured 464 votes.

Atiku also topped the poll in Abia State, garnering 25,153 votes ahead of Amaechi, who scored 18,339 votes. Hayatu-Deen received 3,264 votes.

In Ebonyi State, the former vice president recorded another overwhelming victory. Results announced by the ADC National Vice Chairman (Diaspora), Fred Onwe, indicated that Atiku secured 15,300 votes, while Amaechi polled 2,200 votes and Hayatu-Deen managed 200 votes.

The Sokoto results further underscored Atiku’s dominance in the early stages of the exercise. He polled 68,823 votes, leaving Amaechi with 292 votes and Hayatu-Deen with 319 votes.

A similar pattern emerged in Zamfara State, where Atiku obtained 60,500 votes. Hayatu-Deen scored 436 votes, while Amaechi secured 191 votes.

The ongoing primary is seen as a major test of strength within the ADC as opposition parties continue realignments ahead of the 2027 general election. Atiku, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2019 and 2023 elections, has remained one of the most influential figures in Nigeria’s opposition politics.

Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State and ex-chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, entered the race promising institutional reforms and stronger internal party democracy, while Hayatu-Deen campaigned on economic restructuring and private sector-driven growth.

Political observers say the ADC primary is likely to shape coalition talks among opposition blocs seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2027.

Party officials are expected to announce the complete results later today after collation from the remaining states and the Federal Capital Territory. (PUNCH)

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President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has felicitated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his vice, Kashim Shettima and Muslim faithful in Nigeria and around the world as they celebrate Eid El Kabir.

In a congratulatory message through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, the Senate President said the occasion calls for prayer and sober reflection on the theme of sacrifice.

“This sacred occasion reminds us of Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering faith, obedience, and willingness to sacrifice for the sake of Almighty Allah.

“These timeless virtues of devotion, selflessness, and submission to divine will are values our nation desperately needs today”, he stated.

Akpabio said “To our dear President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his vice, Senator Kashim Shettima and Muslim brothers and sisters, I felicitate with them on behalf of my family, constituents and the Senate on this blessed Eid. May the lessons of sacrifice, compassion, and generosity that define this season strengthen your faith and bring peace to your homes.

“As you share with the less privileged and extend love to neighbours of all faiths, you embody the true spirit of Nigeria.

“To all Nigerians, I urge us to use this solemn period to pray fervently for peace, security, and prosperity in our land. Let us pray for our troops in the frontlines, for farmers to return safely to their fields, and for unity to prevail over division in our Nation.

“Eid El Kabir also calls us to deep reflection on the future of our country. Just as Prophet Ibrahim was tested, Nigeria is in a season of testing.

“The sacrifices we make today in patience, in tolerance and in choosing hope over despair will determine the Nigeria our children inherit.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda of this administration, supported by the National Assembly, is anchored on that same principle: that meaningful progress often requires collective sacrifice.

“May Almighty Allah accept your prayers and sacrifices. May He heal our land, guide our leaders, and bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.

Barka da Sallah. Eid Mubarak

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday expressed confidence that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would perform better in the FCT, citing increased grassroots acceptance and enjoyment of government infrastructural projects across the territory.

Wike said residents were beginning to respond positively to what he described as visible governance, especially the extension of infrastructures to satellite towns and rural communities.

“What the people want is simple, they want to feel the impact of governance. It is not about magic. Nigerians are interested in good governance, infrastructure, electricity and improved living conditions,” he said.

The minister spoke after inspecting six out of the projects being prepared for commissioning ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s third year anniversary celebration in Abuja.

He disclosed that not fewer than 20 projects would be ready for inauguration, adding that the figure could rise as some projects were still being finalised.

“I said not less than 20 projects, but it may even be more than 20 because I did not include the water projects at Bwari and Karu. There are also projects in AMAC and Bwari Area Councils,” Wike said.

He listed additional road projects including Gomani to Yangoji and Kuje to Gwagwalada Road, stressing that the spread of infrastructure across satellite towns marked a new phase of development in the FCT.

“I think it will be interesting for the public to see governance in action. I wonder where the opposition or coalition members are. They should come and see what is happening in the FCT,” he added.

The minister said works at the Abuja’s Appeal Court Complex in Dakibiyu, Judges Quarters in Katampe, Katampe district internal roads, new location for the Apo Mechanic Village and other projects had reached advanced stages, adding that the administration remained committed to inclusive development and improved welfare for residents.

“At the informal sector site where Apo Mechanic Village traders will be relocated to, the roads and streetlights are already completed. What is remaining now is water connection. I also came with security officials so they can commence work on the police station and police residential quarters,” he said.

On the judiciary, Wike dismissed claims of preferential treatment, insisting that the administration was providing support across all sectors.

“For the judiciary to be independent, you must provide the necessary infrastructure, welfare and working conditions. It is not only about the judiciary. We are also providing water, schools and other basic needs for Nigerians,” he said.

He maintained that ongoing projects across the FCT reflected an inclusive development agenda, particularly in rural and satellite communities, which he said were now benefiting from infrastructure for the first time in decades.