The controversy over the ADC Presidential Candidate for the 2027 general election has taken a new turn. A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by its National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, has declared that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is not the party’s presidential candidate.
Instead, the faction announced Professor Chris Uba as the ADC Presidential Candidate after completing what it described as a lawful internal nomination process.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Gombe said Atiku “is not, and has never been,” the ADC Presidential Candidate. He explained that the clarification was necessary to protect the integrity of the party and Nigeria’s democratic process.
Furthermore, the faction distanced itself from a group allegedly led by former Senate President David Mark. According to Gombe, the group has no constitutional or legal authority to act on behalf of the ADC.
He stated that the group is not recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Therefore, it cannot conduct congresses, organise primaries, or make binding decisions for the party.
“The legitimate National Leadership of the ADC is fully aware of sustained efforts by certain coalition elements to force the party into political alliances,” Gombe said.
However, he insisted that the ADC is not part of any alliance, merger, or coalition with another political party.
“The African Democratic Congress remains an autonomous, ideologically grounded, and self-reliant political party committed to contesting all elections on its own merit, structure, and manifesto,” he added.
Gombe said the party followed its constitution, the Electoral Act 2026, and INEC guidelines before selecting its ADC Presidential Candidate.
According to him, all internal processes have been completed successfully.
“The African Democratic Congress presents Professor Chris Uba as its duly recognised flag bearer. The party believes Professor Uba possesses the competence, character, capacity, and national appeal to provide transformational leadership for Nigeria,” he said.
The faction also warned Atiku Abubakar against presenting himself as the ADC Presidential Candidate.
“The Leadership of the African Democratic Congress hereby issues a formal and final warning to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to desist, with immediate effect, from holding himself out as the presidential candidate of the ADC,” Gombe stated.
He stressed that the ADC was founded to provide credible leadership and national renewal. Therefore, he said the party would not allow itself to become a platform for personal political ambitions.
In addition, Gombe vowed that the party would use every available legal and constitutional means to protect its identity against what he described as unauthorised claims.
Meanwhile, the faction dismissed reports of attempts to stop the ADC from participating in the 2027 elections. It described the allegations as baseless and lacking credible evidence.
Gombe expressed confidence in INEC and Nigeria’s electoral system. He also urged party members not to be distracted by narratives designed to create confusion.
“The African Democratic Congress will not become an instrument of chaos,” he said. “We will not allow any individual or group to spread misinformation or exploit our platform for selfish political interests.”
Finally, the faction reaffirmed that the ADC is fully prepared for the 2027 general elections. It said the party would field credible candidates for the presidency, governorships, National Assembly, state assemblies, and local government elections.
The debate over the ADC Presidential Candidate is expected to continue as different groups within the party maintain opposing positions ahead of the 2027 elections.
