ADC Faction Rejects Atiku’s 2027 Presidential Bid, Backs Professor Chris Uba

A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Nafiu Gombe has formally disassociated the party from the 2027 presidential aspirations of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The group maintains that the party has already completed its internal nomination process and selected Professor Chris Uba as its official presidential candidate.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Gombe declared that the ADC is not involved in any coalition, merger, or political alliance. He further dismissed the legitimacy of the National Working Committee currently led by David Mark, characterizing it as an unauthorized body lacking the constitutional standing to represent the party.

“The African Democratic Congress is not in any form of alliance, merger, or coalition with any other political party,” Gombe stated. “The ADC remains an autonomous, ideologically grounded, and self-reliant political party committed to contesting all elections on its own merit, structure, and manifesto.”

The faction asserted that its nomination of Professor Uba followed all requirements outlined in the party’s constitution and the 2026 Electoral Act. They described Uba as a leader with the necessary competence and character to guide the country, emphasizing that he is the party’s only recognized flag bearer.

The statement issued a stern warning to Atiku Abubakar, advising him to stop presenting himself as the ADC’s presidential candidate. The faction cautioned that such actions are misleading and stated that the party would not be used as a “rental platform” or a “Special Purpose Vehicle” for political opportunists.

The group reiterated its commitment to participating in the upcoming 2027 general elections and expressed full confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). They pledged to utilize all legal and constitutional means to protect the party’s identity and structure from what they described as unauthorized appropriation.

The internal dispute highlights ongoing political realignments as parties prepare for the 2027 election cycle, amid rumors of potential alliances between prominent political figures. The Gombe-led faction concluded by urging stakeholders, security agencies, and the general public to disregard any claims or announcements made by unauthorized individuals or competing factions within the party.