A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by 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 remains its duly nominated flag bearer.
The leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) under Nafiu Bala Gombe has distanced itself from Atiku Abubakar’s reported presidential ambition on the party’s platform, declaring that the party had already concluded its nomination process and produced Professor Chris Uba as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Gombe said Atiku “is not, and has never been” the presidential candidate of the ADC, maintaining that the party had lawfully completed its internal processes in accordance with the Electoral Act.
The faction also disowned the David Mark-led leadership, describing it as an unauthorised group lacking constitutional and legal authority to act on behalf of the party or conduct congresses, primaries and other official activities.
According to Gombe, the party adopted Professor Chris Uba as its consensus presidential candidate after two other aspirants voluntarily stepped down in his favour during the party’s primary process.
The latest declaration further highlights the lingering leadership crisis within the ADC, where rival factions continue to lay claim to the party’s national leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.
While the David Mark-led leadership has continued to function as the party’s recognised leadership following recent court decisions, the Gombe faction insists it remains the legitimate authority and has rejected any coalition arrangement involving Atiku Abubakar.
Gombe warned Atiku Abubakar to stop presenting himself as the ADC’s presidential candidate, insisting that only the party’s recognised leadership has the constitutional authority to nominate candidates.
He reaffirmed that the ADC under his leadership is not part of any merger or coalition and would contest the 2027 elections independently with Professor Chris Uba as its presidential flag bearer.
The latest development underscores the deepening internal dispute within the ADC as rival factions continue to battle over the party’s leadership and control ahead of the 2027 general elections. The leadership tussle is expected to remain a major legal and political issue in the months leading to the polls.