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From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The Nafiu Bala Gombe-led faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has distanced itself from claims that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, insisting that Professor Chris Uba is its duly nominated flag bearer.
In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe, the faction said Atiku “is not, and has never been,” the ADC’s presidential candidate, adding that the party had concluded its internal processes in line with the ADC Constitution and the Electoral Act 2026.
The faction also disowned a group led by former Senate President David Mark, describing it as a self-styled body that is neither recognised by the party nor by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to Gombe, the David Mark-led group lacks the constitutional and legal authority to conduct congresses, primaries or take decisions on behalf of the ADC.
He said the party was aware of attempts by coalition groups to draw the ADC into political alliances but maintained that the party remained independent.
“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,” he said.
Gombe said the faction had formally adopted Professor Chris Uba as its presidential candidate, describing him as a competent leader with the capacity to provide transformational leadership for Nigeria.
He warned Atiku Abubakar to stop presenting himself as the ADC’s presidential candidate, insisting that the party would not serve as “a rental platform” or a vehicle for politicians pursuing personal ambitions.
The faction further threatened to pursue all available legal and constitutional remedies against anyone it accused of misrepresenting or appropriating the party’s identity.
It also dismissed reports alleging that there were plans to stop the ADC from participating in the 2027 general elections, describing the claims as baseless and expressing confidence in INEC and the country’s electoral process.
Gombe said the party remained focused on preparations for the 2027 elections and would field candidates for the presidency, governorships, National Assembly, state assemblies and local government councils.
He urged party members, stakeholders, security agencies and the general public to disregard statements from what he described as unauthorized factions and to be guided only by the position of the Nafiu Bala Gombe-led leadership.
