A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by its National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, has rejected claims that former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, is the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, insisting that Professor Chris Uba is its duly nominated flagbearer.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Gombe said Atiku “is not, and has never been,” the ADC presidential candidate, adding that the clarification was necessary to protect the integrity of the party and Nigeria’s democratic process.
The faction also distanced itself from a group allegedly operating under the leadership of David Mark, describing it as a self-styled body that lacks constitutional and legal recognition within the party.
According to Gombe, the group does not constitute any legitimate organ of the ADC and has no authority, including recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to conduct congresses, primaries, or make binding decisions on behalf of the party.
“The legitimate National Leadership of the ADC is fully cognizant of sustained overtures and coordinated efforts by certain coalition elements to compel the Party into political alliances with other platforms,” Gombe stated.
He maintained that the ADC remains an independent political party and is not involved in any alliance, merger, or coalition with any other political platform.
“The Party categorically states that the African Democratic Congress is not in any form of alliance, merger, or coalition with any other political party. The ADC remains an autonomous, ideologically grounded, and self-reliant political party committed to contesting all elections on its own merit, structure, and manifesto,” he said.
Chris Uba Presented as Presidential Candidate
Gombe stated that the party had completed its internal nomination process in line with its constitution, the Electoral Act 2026, and INEC guidelines.
“In strict compliance with the provisions of the ADC Constitution and the Electoral Act 2026 as guided by INEC, the Party has lawfully concluded its internal processes and has duly nominated its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections,” he said.
He announced Professor Chris Uba as the faction’s presidential candidate, describing him as a leader with the competence, character, and national appeal required to provide transformational leadership for Nigeria.
Warning to Atiku
The faction also warned Atiku 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 or parading himself as the presidential candidate of the ADC,” Gombe stated.
He further argued that the party would not become “a rental platform or a Special Purpose Vehicle for political opportunists” and pledged to pursue all available legal and constitutional measures to protect the party’s identity and structure from what it described as unauthorised appropriation.
The faction also dismissed claims that there were plans to prevent the ADC from participating in the 2027 general elections, describing such allegations as unfounded and lacking credible evidence.
Expressing confidence in INEC and Nigeria’s constitutional framework, Gombe urged party members, stakeholders, security agencies, and the public to disregard statements or actions originating from what he described as unauthorised individuals or factions.
The statement represents the position of the Nafiu Bala Gombe-led faction of the ADC. Other factions within the party have previously advanced differing positions regarding the party’s leadership and presidential candidature.
