A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has unveiled businessman Prof. Chris Uba as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections following the conclusion of its nationwide primary process.
The development comes amid internal disputes within the party, as another faction had earlier announced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate after a primary in which he reportedly defeated former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and ex-banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.
On Sunday, the faction led by Bala Gombe also presented flags to 29 governorship candidates across the six geopolitical zones of the country, signalling a parallel structure within the party ahead of the 2027 polls.
Speaking during the formal presentation ceremony in Abuja, the factional National Chairman of the ADC, Bala Gombe, said the presidential ticket was zoned to Southern Nigeria in line with the principles of equity, fairness, inclusiveness and federal character.
According to him, three aspirants initially purchased the party’s Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms to contest the presidential ticket.
“They were Dr Bashir Sani, Prince Williams Charles and Prof. Chris Uba,” he said.
Gombe explained that the party adopted the consensus option provided under the Electoral Act, leading to Uba’s emergence after the withdrawal of other aspirants.
“In adherence to the principle of federal character and in accordance with Section 84(2) of the Electoral Act, 2026, as amended, which recognises consensus as a lawful mode for the selection or nomination of candidates by political parties, the African Democratic Congress adopted consensus as the method for its presidential, governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly primary elections.
“Pursuant to this provision and in the interest of party unity, two of the party’s presidential aspirants voluntarily withdrew from the contest and endorsed Prof. Chief Chris Uba as the party’s sole presidential candidate.
“Consequently, Prof. Uba has been duly returned as the consensus candidate and duly elected to represent ADC as its presidential flagbearer in the 2027 general elections,” he said.
Gombe added that the party was formally unveiling all candidates who emerged through its internal democratic process across various levels of elective office.
“Furthermore, in the spirit of humility, transparency, and profound respect for our members, stakeholders, and the general public, the leadership of ADC is pleased to formally present and unveil the comprehensive list of candidates duly nominated and elected under our platform.
“This list comprises the ADC presidential candidate, as well as the governorship candidates across 29 states of the federation, all of whom emerged through the party’s constitutionally approved internal democratic processes,” he said.
Among the governorship candidates unveiled were Muhammad Usman Shuwa (Adamawa), Idris Adamu Yanoko (Kano), Shamsudin Muhammad (Kaduna), Ibrahim Al-Ameen Gumi (Zamfara), Babagana Mala (Borno), Musliu Babadele (Lagos), Ganiyu Alabi (Ogun), Rukayya Salami (Osun), Gbenga Gbenga (Oyo), Gada Suswan (Benue), Dijatu Abdul Salam (Nasarawa) and Christopher Benjo (Delta).
Gombe said the party had successfully concluded primaries for governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly elections nationwide.
“In furtherance of our commitment to ensure full participation of the African Democratic Congress in the 2027 general elections by fielding credible, qualified and constitutionally compliant candidates across all elective positions, we are pleased to announce the successful conclusion of all our party primaries.
“The entire process was conducted peacefully, transparently, and in strict compliance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act 2026, as amended, and the ADC Constitution and Electoral Guidelines, fostering unity and cordiality among all stakeholders. May Allah grant us wisdom, guidance and resounding victory in all the elections. Ameen,” he added.
The development highlights the deepening factional tensions within the ADC, as competing leadership blocs continue to produce parallel candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, further complicating the party’s electoral positioning.
