Bala Gombe-led bloc adopts consensus, unveils Uba alongside 29 governorship candidates amid competing claims within party

Fresh cracks have emerged within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after a faction of the party announced businessman and political figure, Prof. Chris Uba, as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.

The faction, led by Bala Gombe, unveiled Uba on Sunday in Abuja following what it described as the successful conclusion of its nationwide primaries conducted through a consensus arrangement.

The development comes barely days after another wing of the party produced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential flagbearer, highlighting deepening divisions and competing leadership claims within the ADC ahead of 2027.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Gombe said the decision to zone the presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria was guided by principles of equity, fairness, and federal character.

He disclosed that three aspirants—Dr. Bashir Sani, Prince Williams Charles, and Prof. Chris Uba—initially contested for the ticket, but two stepped down in favour of Uba to ensure unity within the faction.

Relying on provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, Gombe explained that the consensus method was duly adopted across all levels of the party’s primaries.

“In line with Section 84(2) of the Electoral Act, which recognises consensus as a legitimate mode of candidate selection, two aspirants voluntarily withdrew and endorsed Prof. Chris Uba,” he said.

“Consequently, he has emerged as the ADC’s duly elected presidential candidate for the 2027 elections under this process.”

Beyond the presidential race, the faction also presented 29 governorship candidates drawn from across the country’s six geopolitical zones, alongside nominees for National Assembly and state legislative seats.

Among those unveiled were Muhammad Usman Shuwa (Adamawa), Idris Adamu Yanoko (Kano), Shamsudin Muhammad (Kaduna), Ibrahim Al-Ameen Gumi (Zamfara), Babagana Mala (Borno), Musliu Babadele (Lagos), and Rukayya Salami (Osun), among others.

Gombe maintained that all primaries conducted by the faction were peaceful, transparent, and in strict compliance with constitutional provisions and party guidelines.

He added that the exercise reflected the ADC’s commitment to fielding credible candidates and strengthening internal democracy ahead of the polls.

The parallel emergence of candidates underscores intensifying internal rifts within the ADC, as political parties across Nigeria begin early positioning, alliance-building, and strategic realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Founded in 2005, the ADC has consistently positioned itself as an alternative political platform and is seeking to expand its national relevance amid Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.