ADC Faction Rejects Atiku’s 2027 Presidential Bid, Declares Chris Uba as Candidate

A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), headed 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.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Gombe insisted that Atiku has never been the ADC’s presidential flag bearer, stating that the party had already completed its internal nomination process in accordance with its constitution and the Electoral Act 2026.

According to the faction, Professor Chris Uba has been duly nominated as the ADC’s official presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

The group also distanced itself from another faction reportedly led by former Senate President David Mark, describing it as an unauthorized body with no constitutional or legal standing within the party. It argued that the faction is not recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and therefore lacks the authority to conduct party congresses, primaries, or make binding decisions on behalf of the ADC.

Gombe said the party is aware of what it described as ongoing efforts by political coalition groups to draw the ADC into alliances with other parties. However, he maintained that the ADC remains an independent political party and is not involved in any merger, coalition, or political alliance.

“The African Democratic Congress is not in any form of alliance, merger, or coalition with any political party. We remain an autonomous party committed to contesting elections based on our own structure, manifesto, and ideology,” the statement said.

The faction further cautioned Atiku Abubakar against presenting himself as the ADC’s presidential candidate, insisting that the party would not allow its platform to be used by individuals pursuing personal political ambitions.

It emphasized that the ADC was established to provide credible leadership and national renewal, adding that it would not become what it described as a “Special Purpose Vehicle” for politicians seeking political accommodation.

The party warned that it would explore all legal and constitutional avenues to protect its identity and prevent what it called unauthorized use or misrepresentation of the ADC’s name and structure.

The faction also dismissed recent allegations suggesting there were plans to stop the ADC from participating in the 2027 general elections, describing such claims as unfounded and lacking credible evidence.

Expressing confidence in INEC and Nigeria’s electoral process, the party said it would not be distracted by narratives designed to create public anxiety or political confusion.

Reaffirming its readiness for the 2027 elections, the faction stated that it would field candidates for all elective positions, including the presidency, governorships, National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly, and local government offices.

It concluded by urging party members, supporters, stakeholders, security agencies, INEC, and the general public to disregard statements issued by individuals or groups it considers unauthorized, insisting that only its official leadership speaks for the African Democratic Congress.