ADC Turmoil: Faction Rejects Atiku, Crowns Chris Uba Presidential Candidate

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), under the leadership of its factional chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, has categorically refuted claims suggesting that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is the party's presidential candidate for the upcoming 2027 general elections. The party stated unequivocally that it has finalized its internal nomination processes and has officially endorsed Professor Chris Uba as its presidential flag bearer. Mr. Gombe asserted in a public statement that Atiku Abubakar “is not, and has never been” the legitimate presidential candidate of the ADC for the 2027 electoral cycle. This clarification was issued to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic framework and to inform the public accurately about the party's official position.

Furthermore, the ADC leadership disowned a group reportedly operating under the leadership of David Mark, describing it as an unauthorized and self-styled faction not recognized by the party. The statement clarified that this group does not constitute a legitimate organ of the ADC and therefore lacks the constitutional and legal authority to conduct congresses, primaries, or make any binding decisions on behalf of the party. Crucially, it emphasized that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) does not recognize this splinter group.

The legitimate National Leadership of the ADC acknowledged ongoing overtures and coordinated attempts by various coalition elements to compel the party into political alliances with other platforms. However, the party categorically stated that the African Democratic Congress is not currently, nor will it be, in any form of alliance, merger, or coalition with any other political party. The ADC affirmed its status as an autonomous, ideologically grounded, and self-reliant political party, committed to contesting all elections based on its own merit, established structure, and manifesto.

In strict adherence to the provisions of the ADC Constitution and the Electoral Act 2026, and as guided by INEC, the party has lawfully concluded its internal processes for selecting its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. Professor Chris Uba has been presented as the party’s duly recognized flag bearer. The ADC leadership expressed firm conviction that Professor Uba possesses the necessary competence, capacity, character, and national appeal required to provide transformational leadership for Nigeria during this critical juncture in the nation’s history.

A formal and final warning was issued to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, urging him to cease, with immediate effect, from holding himself out or parading himself as the presidential candidate of the ADC. The party reiterated that it was founded on principles of national renewal, inclusive governance, and credible alternative leadership. It explicitly stated that the ADC is not, and will not be, a