A fresh leadership crisis has erupted within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after rival factions announced different presidential candidates for the 2027 general election. The development has exposed deep divisions within the party over its leadership and control of its electoral structure.
The faction led by National Chairman Nafiu Bala Gombe rejected claims that former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar is the party’s presidential candidate. Instead, it insisted that it had concluded its internal processes and formally nominated Professor Chris Uba as its flag bearer for the 2027 presidential election.
The Gombe-led faction also disowned a group allegedly led by former Senate President David Mark, describing it as an unauthorised body with no constitutional or legal authority to act on behalf of the party. It maintained that the group lacked recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct congresses, primaries or make binding decisions.
The faction further denied reports that the ADC had entered into any coalition or merger with other political parties, insisting that the party remains independent and will contest the 2027 elections based on its own structure and manifesto.
Warning Atiku against presenting himself as the ADC’s presidential candidate, the faction threatened to pursue legal action to protect the party’s identity. It also dismissed allegations that there were attempts to stop the ADC from participating in the 2027 elections, expressing confidence in INEC and the electoral process.
However, another faction of the party announced a completely different position, saying it had successfully uploaded the nomination particulars of Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi as his running mate on INEC’s nomination portal.
National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi disclosed the development on his social media platform, describing it as a major milestone in the party’s preparations for the 2027 general election. He said the move reflected the ADC’s commitment to presenting what he described as a credible alternative focused on competence, unity and national renewal.
The conflicting announcements have further deepened uncertainty over the party’s leadership and its official presidential ticket, raising fresh questions about which faction will ultimately be recognised by INEC ahead of the 2027 general election.
