A faction of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has dismissed claims linking former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to the party’s 2027 presidential ticket, insisting that its candidate for the election is Professor Chris Uba.
The faction, led by National Chairman Nafiu Bala Gombe, made its position known on Wednesday, saying Atiku is neither the party’s candidate nor has he ever been presented as its standard bearer for the 2027 general elections.
In a statement released by Gombe, the group said it was necessary to clear the air in the interest of the public and to protect the integrity of the country’s democratic process.
The faction also rejected the authority of a group allegedly operating under the leadership of former Senate President David Mark, describing it as a self styled body with no legal standing within the ADC.
According to the statement, the group does not represent any recognised organ of the party and therefore lacks the constitutional backing and legal authority to organise congresses, conduct primaries or take decisions on behalf of the ADC. It added that such a group also has no recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
Gombe said the legitimate national leadership of the ADC is fully aware of what it described as coordinated attempts by some coalition interests to pressure the party into political alliances with other platforms. He maintained that the ADC is not involved in any merger, alliance or coalition with any political party.
He stressed that the party remains an independent political platform built on its own ideology, structure and manifesto, and is fully prepared to contest elections on its own strength.
The faction further stated that in line with the provisions of the ADC Constitution and the Electoral Act 2026, and in accordance with INEC guidelines, it had completed all internal processes required to produce its presidential candidate for the 2027 election. It said those processes produced Professor Chris Uba as the party’s duly nominated flag bearer.
Gombe said the party believes Uba has the competence, capacity and character needed to offer the kind of leadership Nigeria requires at this stage of its national journey.
The ADC faction also issued what it described as a final warning to Atiku Abubakar, asking him to stop presenting himself as the party’s presidential candidate.
It said the party was founded on the ideals of national renewal, inclusive governance and credible alternative leadership, and would not allow itself to be turned into a platform for personal ambition or political convenience.
Gombe warned that the party would take all necessary legal and constitutional steps to defend its structure and identity against what it called unauthorised appropriation and misrepresentation.
The faction also dismissed recent allegations of a plot to stop the ADC from participating in the 2027 general elections, describing the claims as unfounded and lacking any credible basis.
It reaffirmed confidence in INEC and the country’s electoral and constitutional system, saying it would not be distracted by narratives designed to cause panic or mislead the public.
According to Gombe, the ADC would not allow any individual or group to use its platform to spread falsehood, stir unrest or destabilise the political space in pursuit of selfish interests.
He added that the party is already preparing seriously for the 2027 elections and plans to present qualified and credible candidates for all elective positions, including the presidency, governorships, Senate, House of Representatives, state assemblies and local government offices.
The faction therefore called on party members, stakeholders, supporters, INEC, security agencies and the general public to remain calm and rely only on the ADC’s official position, while ignoring statements or actions from persons it described as unauthorised actors.
