A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has unveiled businessman, Professor Chris Uba, as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.
The faction, led by Bala Gombe, announced that Uba emerged as its candidate after the conclusion of nationwide primary elections.
The development comes just days after former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar emerged as the presidential candidate of another faction of the party. Atiku secured the ticket after defeating former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and former banker, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, in a primary conducted across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking during the official presentation of candidates in Abuja on Sunday, the factional National Chairman of the ADC, Bala Gombe, said the party had zoned its presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria.
According to him, the decision was based on the principles of equity, fairness, inclusiveness and federal character. He added that three aspirants had initially purchased the party’s Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms.
“They were Dr Bashir Sani, Prince Williams Charles and Prof. Chris Uba,” Gombe said.
Gombe explained that the faction adopted the consensus option recognised by the Electoral Act.
He said the two other presidential aspirants later withdrew from the race and endorsed Uba as the sole candidate.
Gombe further stated, “In adherence to the principle of federal character and in accordance with Section 84(2) of the Electoral Act, 2026, as amended, which recognises consensus as a lawful mode for the selection or nomination of candidates by political parties, the African Democratic Congress adopted consensus as the method for its presidential, governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly primary election.
“Pursuant to this provision and in the interest of party unity, two of the party’s presidential aspirants voluntarily withdrew from the contest and endorsed Prof. Chief Chris Uba as the party’s sole presidential candidate.
“Consequently, Prof. Uba has been duly returned as the consensus candidate and duly elected to represent ADC as its presidential flagbearer in the 2027 general elections.”
The faction also presented flags to 29 governorship candidates from across the six geopolitical zones.
Gombe said the candidates emerged through the party’s internal democratic processes.
He said, “Furthermore, in the spirit of humility, transparency, and profound respect for our members, stakeholders, and the general public, the leadership of ADC is pleased to formally present and unveil the comprehensive list of candidates duly nominated and elected under our platform.
“This list comprises the ADC presidential candidate, as well as the governorship candidates across 29 states of the federation, all of whom emerged through the party’s constitutionally approved internal democratic processes.”
Among those unveiled as governorship candidates were Muhammad Usman Shuwa for Adamawa, Idris Adamu Yanoko for Kano, Shamsudin Muhammad for Kaduna, Ibrahim Al-Ameen Gumi for Zamfara, Babagana Mala for Borno and Musliu Babadele for Lagos.
Others include Ganiyu Alabi for Ogun, Rukayya Salami for Osun, Gbenga Gbenga for Oyo, Gada Suswan for Benue, Dijatu Abdul Salam for Nasarawa and Christopher Benjo for Delta.
Gombe said the faction had successfully completed primaries for governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly positions across the country.
“In furtherance of our commitment to ensure full participation of the African Democratic Congress in the 2027 general elections by fielding credible, qualified, and constitutionally compliant candidates across all elective positions, we are pleased to announce the successful conclusion of all our party primaries,” he said.
“The entire process was conducted peacefully, transparently, and in strict compliance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act 2026 as amended, and the ADC Constitution and Electoral Guidelines, fostering unity and cordiality among all stakeholders. May Allah grant us wisdom, guidance, and resounding victory in all the elections. Ameen,” he added.
