A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by National Chairman Nafiu Bala Gombe, on Wednesday dismissed claims that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, insisting that it had concluded its internal processes and nominated Chris Uba as its flag bearer.

Maintaining its position, the party declared that Atiku “is not, and has never been,” the ADC’s presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.

In a statement issued by its National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, the party said the clarification became necessary in the public interest and to safeguard 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 the statement, the group does not constitute any legitimate organ of the ADC and therefore lacks the constitutional and legal authority, including recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to conduct congresses, primaries or take binding decisions on behalf of the party.

Gombe said: “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.

“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.

“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.

“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 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.

“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 (SPV) for political opportunists, displaced individuals, or coalition actors seeking to leverage our structure for personal ambition.”

He warned that it would pursue all available legal and constitutional remedies to protect its identity and structure against what it described as unauthorised appropriation or misrepresentation.

The ADC also dismissed recent allegations of a plot to prevent the party from participating in the 2027 general elections, describing such claims as baseless and unsupported by credible evidence.

The party reaffirmed its confidence in INEC and the country’s constitutional and electoral framework, saying it would not be distracted by narratives intended to create panic or public confusion.

He added, “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 destabilize the polity to advance selfish political objectives.

“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 bonafide 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 unauthorized persons or factions.” (The Nation)

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