The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) took a dramatic turn on Sunday as a rival faction of the party unveiled businessman and academic, Chris Uba, as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, just days after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerged as the party’s flagbearer in a separate nationwide primary election.
- +ADC crisis deepens as rival faction picks Chris Uba for 2027 presidency
The development has further exposed deep divisions within the opposition party and raised fresh questions over who will ultimately represent the ADC in the 2027 presidential race.
The development has further exposed deep divisions within the opposition party and raised fresh questions over who will ultimately represent the ADC in the 2027 presidential race. The faction, led by its National Chairman, Bala Gombe, also presented flags to 29 governorship candidates across the country’s six geopolitical zones, signaling its determination to establish an alternative political structure ahead of the next general elections.
The emergence of Uba comes barely a week after Atiku was declared the ADC presidential candidate following a nationwide primary election reportedly conducted across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. In that exercise, Atiku defeated former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen to secure the party’s ticket.
Speaking during the formal presentation of candidates in Abuja, Gombe said the faction’s decision to nominate Uba was guided by the principles of equity, fairness, inclusiveness and federal character. He explained that the presidential ticket was deliberately zoned to Southern Nigeria as part of efforts to promote national balance and strengthen unity within the party.
According to Gombe, three aspirants initially purchased the party’s Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for the presidential contest. They included Dr. Bashir Sani, Prince Williams Charles and Prof. Chris Uba.
He said the faction eventually adopted the consensus option provided under the Electoral Act, leading to Uba’s emergence as the sole presidential candidate after the withdrawal of the other aspirants.
“The party adopted the consensus option in accordance with the Electoral Act. Following consultations and agreements among stakeholders, the other aspirants stepped down, allowing Prof. Chris Uba to emerge as our consensus candidate,” Gombe stated.
The factional chairman described Uba as a capable leader with the vision and experience needed to address Nigeria’s economic and governance challenges. He urged party members and supporters across the country to rally behind the candidate and intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Gombe also said the presentation of 29 governorship candidates reflected the faction’s commitment to expanding the party’s footprint nationwide and offering Nigerians an alternative political platform.
The parallel emergence of Uba and Atiku, however, underscores the growing internal divisions within the ADC and sets the stage for what could become a prolonged political and legal battle over the party’s authentic leadership and candidates as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
