ADC crisis deepens as Gombe-led faction names Chris Uba presidential candidate for 2027

The leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has deepened after a faction of the party led by Nafiu Bala Gombe announced businessman and politician, Chris Uba, as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

The announcement was made in Abuja during the presentation of the party’s presidential and governorship flags by the faction’s National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe. He said the decision to nominate Uba followed a consensus arrangement and reflected the faction’s commitment to zoning the presidency to Southern Nigeria in the interest of equity, fairness, and national inclusion.

According to Gombe, Uba emerged as the faction’s sole candidate after two other aspirants, Dr. Bashir Mohammed Sani and Prince Williams Charles, voluntarily stepped down and endorsed his candidacy.

He explained that the consensus process was conducted in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, which allows political parties to adopt consensus in selecting candidates for elective offices.

“Following consultations among stakeholders and aspirants, the party adopted a consensus arrangement, leading to the emergence of Prof. Chief Chris Uba as the presidential candidate of our faction for the 2027 election,” Gombe said.

The development, however, highlights the growing divisions within the ADC, as another faction of the party has already endorsed businessman and former ADC presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, for the same position.

The rival faction, which held a separate convention in Abuja, reportedly elected Abdulkadir Mohammed Bashir as its national chairman and reaffirmed Kachikwu as its presidential flagbearer for the 2027 polls.

The emergence of parallel leadership structures and competing presidential candidates has further complicated the internal situation within the opposition party, raising questions about which faction will eventually be recognized by the electoral authorities.

Political observers believe the dispute could ultimately require intervention from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which is responsible for recognizing party leadership and accepting candidates for elections.

Supporters of the Gombe-led faction insist that the process that produced Uba was lawful and transparent, while the rival camp maintains that its convention represents the legitimate structure of the party.

The latest development underscores the challenges facing the ADC as it seeks to position itself as a viable political force ahead of the 2027 general elections. Unless the leadership dispute is resolved, analysts warn that the party could face prolonged legal and political battles that may affect its preparations for the election cycle.

Chris Uba, a prominent political figure from Anambra State, is widely known for his involvement in Nigerian politics over the past two decades and has remained an influential figure within political circles in the South-East.

With both factions laying claim to the party’s leadership and presidential ticket, the ADC appears set for an extended internal struggle as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.