KEY POINTS

• A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced businessman Prof. Chris Uba as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.
• The faction said the decision followed a consensus arrangement after other aspirants stepped down under its internal selection process.
• The development comes amid internal divisions in ADC, even as another faction had earlier produced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its candidate.

A faction of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has officially unveiled businessman, Prof. Chris Uba, as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections following the conclusion of its internal primary process.

The announcement was made in Abuja during a formal presentation ceremony where the faction also unveiled 29 governorship candidates across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

The factional National Chairman, Bala Gombe, said the presidential ticket was zoned to Southern Nigeria in line with the party’s principles of equity, fairness, inclusiveness, and federal character.

According to Gombe, three aspirants initially purchased nomination forms to contest the presidential ticket. They included Dr. Bashir Sani, Prince Williams Charles, and Prof. Chris Uba.

He explained that the party adopted a consensus arrangement provided for under the Electoral Act, 2026, which allows political parties to select candidates through agreement rather than competitive voting.

Following the process, two aspirants reportedly withdrew from the race and endorsed Chris Uba, paving the way for his emergence as the consensus candidate.

“Prof. Uba has been duly returned as the consensus candidate,” Gombe stated, adding that the decision was taken in the interest of unity within the faction.

Internal Party Division Deepens

The development highlights ongoing internal disagreements within the ADC, as another faction of the party had earlier announced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate after a separate primary election.

That earlier primary reportedly involved other prominent political figures, including former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and ex-banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.

The emergence of two different presidential candidates from rival factions underscores the deepening leadership crisis within the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking at the event, Bala Gombe said the ADC had concluded all its primaries for governorship, National Assembly, and state assembly positions nationwide.

He added that the party followed constitutional provisions and the Electoral Act in selecting candidates, stressing that the process was conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner.

Gombe also expressed optimism about the party’s performance in 2027, urging members to remain committed and united ahead of the general elections.

“May Allah grant us wisdom, guidance, and resounding victory in all the elections,” he said.