ADC faction picks Chris Uba as presidential candidate for 2027 elections

A group in the African Democratic Congress has named businessman Prof. Chris Uba as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. This announcement came after the party held its primary elections across the country.

Last week, The PUNCH reported that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar became the party's presidential candidate. He won against former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi and ex-banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen in a primary election that took place in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

On Sunday, the faction led by Bala Gombe also presented flags to 29 governorship candidates from the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.

During the presentation of the candidates in Abuja, Bala Gombe, who is the faction's National Chairman, said the presidential ticket was zoned to Southern Nigeria. He mentioned this was based on principles of fairness, equity, inclusiveness, and federal character.

Gombe shared that three aspirants had initially bought the party's Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms to run for the presidential ticket. He listed them as Dr. Bashir Sani, Prince Williams Charles, and Prof. Chris Uba.

He explained that the party used the consensus option allowed by the Electoral Act. This led to Uba's selection as the only presidential candidate after the other aspirants stepped down.

"In line with the principle of federal character, and according to Section 84(2) of the Electoral Act, 2026, as amended, which recognizes consensus as a legal way to select candidates, the African Democratic Congress chose consensus for its presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and State House of Assembly elections."

Gombe added, "To promote party unity, two of the presidential aspirants voluntarily withdrew their candidacy and backed Prof. Chief Chris Uba as the party's sole presidential candidate."

He confirmed that Prof. Uba has been announced as the consensus candidate to represent ADC in the 2027 elections. Gombe also mentioned that the party was unveiling all candidates chosen through its internal democratic processes.

"In the spirit of humility and transparency, we are happy to formally present the full list of candidates nominated and elected under our platform. This list includes the ADC presidential candidate and the governorship candidates from 29 states, all of whom emerged through our party's approved democratic processes," he explained.

Some of the governorship candidates presented included Muhammad Usman Shuwa from Adamawa, Idris Adamu Yanoko from Kano, Shamsudin Muhammad from Kaduna, Ibrahim Al-Ameen Gumi from Zamfara, Babagana Mala from Borno, Musliu Babadele from Lagos, Ganiyu Alabi from Ogun, Rukayya Salami from Osun, Gbenga Gbenga from Oyo, Gada Suswan from Benue, Dijatu Abdul Salam from Nasarawa, and Christopher Benjo from Delta.

Gombe stated that the party has finished primaries for governorship, National Assembly, and State House of Assembly positions across the nation.

"To ensure the African Democratic Congress can fully participate in the 2027 elections with credible, qualified candidates, we are glad to announce the successful completion of our party primaries. The process was peaceful, transparent, and followed the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026 as amended, and the ADC Constitution and Guidelines. We pray for wisdom and success in all the elections. Ameen," he added.

This unveiling comes as political parties prepare for the 2027 elections. Consultations, coalition talks, and internal adjustments are already happening in Nigeria's political landscape.

Founded in 2005, the ADC aims to be an alternative political choice. The party has taken part in past general elections and is now working to expand its reach by bringing in new members and building its structures in various states.