The factional leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), under National Chairman Nafiu Bala Gombe, has officially presented Professor Chris Uba as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. The announcement was made during a formal event where the party also introduced its governorship candidates across various states.
Court Proceedings and Leadership Dispute
Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has set June 3, 2026, as the date for hearing a lawsuit filed by Gombe. The suit seeks to prevent former Senate President David Mark and others from claiming leadership of the ADC. The case was initially before Justice Emeka Nwite but was reassigned following Nwite's elevation to the Court of Appeal by the National Judicial Council on May 13.
Gombe argues that the emergence of Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, and their interim National Working Committee violates the party's constitution and the Electoral Act. The defendants include the ADC, Mark, Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and former ADC chairman Ralphs Nwosu.
In April, the Supreme Court overturned a Court of Appeal order that had maintained the status quo in the dispute, directing the Federal High Court to expedite the case. INEC subsequently reversed its removal of Mark's leadership from its official portal.
Presidential Ticket Zoning
The Gombe-led faction stated that the presidential ticket was zoned to Southern Nigeria to reflect federal character, equity, and inclusiveness. Gombe described the nomination process as transparent and peaceful, conducted under a consensus arrangement allowed by the Electoral Act 2026.
Three party members initially obtained nomination forms: Dr. Bashir Sani, Williams Charles, and Chris Uba. After the primaries, Uba emerged as the consensus candidate.
Atiku's Reconciliation Efforts
Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar held a closed-door meeting with rival Mohammed Hayatu-Deen at his Lagos residence. This meeting is part of ongoing reconciliation efforts following the ADC presidential primary, where Atiku emerged as the party's flagbearer with 1,846,370 votes.
Hayatu-Deen had withdrawn from the primary, citing widespread vote rigging. Former Minister Rotimi Amaechi, who came second with 504,117 votes, also rejected the results, calling them concocted. Atiku has since been working to unite the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
