A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by its National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, has said former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is not the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
Instead, the faction said it has completed its internal processes and nominated Professor Chris Uba as its presidential candidate.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Gombe said Atiku “is not, and has never been,” the ADC’s presidential candidate. He explained that the statement was issued to protect the integrity of the party and Nigeria’s democratic process.
The faction also rejected a group said to be led by David Mark, describing it as a self-styled body that is not recognised by the party.
According to Gombe, the group is not a legitimate organ of the ADC and has no constitutional or legal authority, including recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to conduct congresses, primary elections or make binding decisions on behalf of the party.
“The legitimate National Leadership of the ADC is fully cognizant of sustained overtures and coordinated efforts by certain coalition elements to compel the Party into political alliances with other platforms,” he said.
“The Party categorically states that the African Democratic Congress is not in any form of alliance, merger, or coalition with any other political party. The ADC remains an autonomous, ideologically grounded, and self-reliant political party committed to contesting all elections on its own merit, structure, and manifesto.”
Gombe said the faction followed the ADC constitution, the Electoral Act 2026 and INEC guidelines before choosing its presidential candidate.
“In strict compliance with the provisions of the ADC Constitution and the Electoral Act 2026 as guided by INEC, the Party has lawfully concluded its internal processes and has duly nominated its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections,” he stated.
“The African Democratic Congress presents Professor Chris Uba as its duly recognized flag bearer. The Party is of the firm conviction that Professor Uba possesses the requisite competence, capacity, character, and national appeal to provide transformational leadership for Nigeria at this critical period in our history.”
The faction also warned Atiku to stop presenting himself as the party’s presidential candidate.
“The Leadership of the African Democratic Congress hereby issues a formal and final warning to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to desist, with immediate effect, from holding himself out or parading himself as the presidential candidate of the ADC,” Gombe said.
“The ADC was founded on the principles of national renewal, inclusive governance, and credible alternative leadership. The Party is not, and will not be, a rental platform or a Special Purpose Vehicle for political opportunists, displaced individuals, or coalition actors seeking to leverage our structure for personal ambition.”
Gombe added that the faction would use all available legal and constitutional means to protect the party’s identity and structure from what it described as unauthorised appropriation and misrepresentation.
The faction also dismissed claims that there was a plot to stop the ADC from taking part in the 2027 general election, describing the allegations as baseless and unsupported by credible evidence.
According to Gombe, the party has confidence in INEC and Nigeria’s constitutional and electoral system and will not be distracted by claims intended to create panic or confusion.
“The African Democratic Congress will not be reduced to an instrument of chaos. We will not permit any individual or group to exploit our platform to spread misinformation, incite civil disturbances, or destabilise the polity to advance selfish political objectives,” he added.
“The ADC is fully prepared and strategically positioned for the 2027 general elections. The Party will present competent, qualified, and credible candidates for all elective positions at the Presidential, Senatorial, House of Representatives, Gubernatorial, State Assembly, and Local Government levels.
“We therefore urge all bona fide members, stakeholders, teeming supporters, INEC, security agencies, and the general public to remain calm, resolute, and steadfast. All persons are advised to be guided strictly by this official position and to disregard any statements, announcements, or actions emanating from unauthorised persons or factions.”
