A fresh twist has emerged in the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after the faction led by National Chairman Nafiu Bala Gombe announced that it has successfully uploaded the names and credentials of its presidential, vice-presidential and National Assembly candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal. The development deepens the battle with the rival camp associated with former Senate President David Mark.
The internal crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress has taken another dramatic turn after one faction declared it had completed the submission of candidates for the 2027 general election, despite the lingering dispute over the party’s legitimate leadership.
The announcement by the Nafiu Bala Gombe-led faction has intensified uncertainty over which list of candidates, if any, will ultimately be recognised by INEC.
Speaking on behalf of his faction, Nafiu Bala Gombe said the party had successfully uploaded the credentials of its presidential, vice-presidential and National Assembly candidates through the INEC nomination portal before the deadline.
The faction described the move as evidence that it remains the authentic leadership of the ADC and insisted it had acted within the provisions of the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution.
The development comes against the backdrop of an unresolved leadership dispute between the Gombe faction and the camp aligned with former Senate President David Mark.
The rival groups have continued to lay claim to the party’s leadership, with previous court proceedings and INEC decisions complicating the issue. While legal challenges over the party’s leadership are still unfolding, both camps have continued to take steps aimed at preparing for the 2027 elections.
Political observers say the latest development could trigger another legal battle if competing candidate lists emerge from the party.
Attention is now shifting to INEC’s eventual position on the submissions, particularly if conflicting nominations are received before the close of the nomination process. The commission has previously stated that it would act in accordance with the law and relevant court decisions concerning the party’s leadership.
With the countdown to the 2027 elections continuing, the ADC’s internal leadership dispute remains one of the biggest uncertainties within Nigeria’s opposition politics. Whether the latest submission by the Gombe-led faction will stand—or become the subject of another courtroom contest—could significantly shape the party’s electoral fortunes in the months ahead.