ADC Faction Disowns Atiku Abubakar’s Candidacy
A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by National Chairman Nafiu Bala Gombe, has denied reports that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will be the party’s presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections.
The faction said it had completed its internal procedures and nominated Professor Chris Uba as its flagbearer for the upcoming polls.
It also distanced itself from a group allegedly headed by David Mark, describing it as a self‑styled entity lacking any official recognition within the party.
p> –>Gombe emphasized that this group does not constitute a legitimate organ of the ADC and has no constitutional or legal authority, including recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to hold congresses, primaries or make binding decisions on behalf of the party.
He noted that the legitimate leadership is aware of ongoing attempts by certain coalition elements to pressure the ADC into alliances with other political platforms.
The party reiterated that it remains autonomous, ideologically grounded and self‑reliant, with no intention of entering any merger, coalition or alliance with other parties.
Gombe affirmed that the nomination process followed the ADC constitution, the Electoral Act 2026 and INEC guidelines.
“In strict compliance with 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 ADC presents Professor Chris Uba as its duly recognized flag bearer, expressing confidence that he possesses the competence, capacity, character and national appeal needed for transformational leadership at this critical juncture in Nigeria’s history.
The faction issued a formal warning to Atiku Abubakar to cease 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.
He added that the ADC was founded on principles of national renewal, inclusive governance and credible alternative leadership, and will not serve as a rental platform for political opportunists.
The party pledged to pursue all legal and constitutional remedies to safeguard its identity against any unauthorized appropriation or misrepresentation.
Gombe dismissed allegations of a plot to prevent the ADC from contesting the 2027 elections, labeling them baseless and unsupported by credible evidence.
He expressed confidence in INEC and Nigeria’s electoral framework, stating the party would not be distracted by narratives aimed at creating 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 affirmed its readiness for the 2027 general elections, promising to field competent, qualified and credible candidates for all elective positions from presidential to local government levels.
The party urged bona fide members, stakeholders, supporters, INEC, security agencies and the general public to remain calm, resolute and steadfast, and to rely solely on this official position while disregarding statements from unauthorized persons or factions.
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