A part of the African Democratic Congress, led by Nafiu Gombe, has separated itself from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s presidential plans for 2027. They insist that the party has already completed its nomination process and has picked Professor Chris Uba as its candidate for the election.
The faction also rejected the David Mark-led National Working Committee, calling it an unauthorized group with no legal right to act for the party.
In a statement on Wednesday, Gombe said it was important to clarify the party's position. He wanted to protect the party’s identity and stop what he called attempts to misrepresent it ahead of the 2027 elections.
He stated that Atiku “is not, and has never been,” the presidential candidate of the ADC.
Gombe said the real leaders of the party are in charge and that they have not joined any coalition or merger with another political party.
“The legitimate National Leadership of the ADC is fully aware of ongoing efforts by some groups to pressure the party into political alliances with other platforms.
“The party clearly states that the African Democratic Congress is not in any type of alliance, merger, or coalition with any other political party. The ADC remains an independent, ideologically focused, and self-sufficient political party ready to contest all elections on its own merit, structures, and manifesto,” the statement read.
The faction mentioned that it has completed all necessary internal processes set by the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act. They have formally nominated Prof Uba as their candidate for the 2027 election.
“In strict compliance with the ADC Constitution and the Electoral Act 2026, guided by INEC, the party has lawfully concluded its internal processes and has formally nominated its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.
“The African Democratic Congress presents Prof Chris Uba as its officially recognized flag bearer. The party believes that Prof Uba has the right skills, capacity, character, and national appeal to provide the leadership Nigeria needs at this important time,” it added.
The faction warned Atiku against claiming to be the party’s candidate, calling such claims misleading.
“The Leadership of the African Democratic Congress hereby gives a formal and final warning to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to stop, immediately, from presenting himself as the presidential candidate of the ADC.
“The ADC was founded on principles of national renewal, inclusive governance, and credible leadership. The party is not, and will not be, a platform for political opportunists or individuals seeking to use it for personal gains,” Gombe warned.
The group said it will explore all legal means to protect the party’s identity from what they called unauthorized use.
They also dismissed claims that there were plans to block the ADC from the 2027 elections. They expressed confidence in INEC and Nigeria’s electoral process.
“The African Democratic Congress will not be turned into a tool for chaos. We will not allow any person or group to misuse our platform to spread false information, cause civil unrest, or disrupt the political system for selfish goals.
“The ADC is ready and strategically positioned for the 2027 elections. The party will present capable, qualified, and credible candidates for all election positions from presidential, Senatorial, House of Representatives, gubernatorial, State Assembly, to Local Government levels.
“We urge all genuine members, stakeholders, supporters, INEC, security agencies, and the public to stay calm and focused.
“Everyone is advised to follow this official position and ignore any statements or actions from unauthorized persons or groups,” it concluded.
This statement comes as political changes are happening ahead of the 2027 elections and follows ongoing talks about forming an opposition coalition that may include Atiku Abubakar and former Senate President David Mark.
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