Atiku Not ADC Presidential Candidate – Party Faction Names Another Flagbearer

A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by its National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, has dismissed claims that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.

The faction insisted that it had concluded its internal processes and nominated Professor Chris Uba as its flagbearer.

Naija News reports that in a statement issued on Wednesday, Gombe said Atiku “is not, and has never been,” the ADC’s presidential candidate, adding that the clarification became necessary in the public interest and to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.

The faction also disowned a group allegedly operating under the leadership of David Mark, describing it as a self-styled body with no recognition within the party.

According to Gombe, the group does not constitute any legitimate organ of the ADC and lacks the constitutional and legal authority, including recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission, to conduct congresses, primaries or take binding decisions on behalf of the party.

“The legitimate National Leadership of the ADC is fully cognizant of sustained overtures and coordinated efforts by certain coalition elements to compel the Party into political alliances with other platforms,” he said.

“The Party categorically states that 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.”

Chris Uba Named Flagbearer

Gombe said the party had complied with its constitution, the Electoral Act 2026 and INEC guidelines in nominating its presidential candidate.

“In strict compliance with the provisions of 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 African Democratic Congress presents Professor Chris Uba as its duly recognized flag bearer. The Party is of the firm conviction that Professor Uba possesses the requisite competence, capacity, character, and national appeal to provide transformational leadership for Nigeria at this critical period in our history.”

The faction warned Atiku to stop 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.

“The ADC was founded on the principles of national renewal, inclusive governance, and credible alternative leadership. The Party is not, and will not be, a rental platform or a Special Purpose Vehicle for political opportunists, displaced individuals, or coalition actors seeking to leverage our structure for personal ambition.”

He said the party would pursue all legal and constitutional remedies to protect its identity and structure against alleged unauthorised appropriation or misrepresentation.

The faction also dismissed allegations of a plot to stop the ADC from participating in the 2027 elections, describing the claims as baseless and unsupported by credible evidence.

Gombe said the party had confidence in INEC and Nigeria’s constitutional and electoral framework, adding that it would not be distracted by narratives intended to create 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 is fully prepared and strategically positioned for the 2027 general elections. The Party will present competent, qualified, and credible candidates for all elective positions at the Presidential, Senatorial, House of Representatives, Gubernatorial, State Assembly, and Local Government levels.

“We therefore urge all bona fide members, stakeholders, teeming supporters, INEC, security agencies, and the general public to remain calm, resolute, and steadfast. All persons are advised to be guided strictly by this official position and to disregard any statements, announcements, or actions emanating from unauthorised persons or factions.”