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 maintained that Atiku “is not, and has never been,” the ADC’s presidential candidate, stressing that the party had concluded its internal nomination process in accordance 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-appointed 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 make decisions on behalf of the ADC.
He said the party was aware of efforts by certain political coalitions to draw the ADC into alliances but insisted that the party remains 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 disclosed that the faction had formally adopted Professor Chris Uba as its presidential candidate, describing him as a capable leader with the vision 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 explore all available legal and constitutional options against anyone it accused of misrepresenting or appropriating the party’s identity.
It also dismissed reports suggesting that there were plans to prevent 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, the National Assembly, state Houses of Assembly and local government councils.
He urged party members, stakeholders, security agencies and the general public to disregard statements issued by what he described as unauthorised factions and to be guided only by the position of the Nafiu Bala Gombe-led leadership.
