A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Nafiu Bala Gombe has warned former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar against presenting himself as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.
The faction also rejected any proposed alliance, merger or coalition with the G-100 Coalition, insisting that the party would contest the elections independently.
In a statement on Saturday, Gombe, who describes himself as the party’s national chairman, accused Atiku and some members of the coalition of attempting to pressure the ADC leadership into an arrangement that could undermine the party’s independence.
He said the party would not allow its political future to be determined by individuals pursuing personal ambitions.
“The leadership of the ADC is fully cognizant of the sustained pressure, political manipulation, and backchannel negotiations being orchestrated by certain elements within the so-called G100 Coalition and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in a deliberate attempt to railroad the ADC into a forced merger or alliance,” Gombe said.
He added, “For the avoidance of doubt, let it be placed on record; the African Democratic Congress is NOT, and will NOT be, in any alliance, merger, or coalition with any political party ahead of the 2027 general elections.”
Gombe further insisted that the ADC had no plan to enter into a political arrangement with any other party before the 2027 elections.
The statement comes amid an ongoing leadership dispute within the ADC, with two factions claiming control of the party.
One faction is led by former Senate President David Mark, whose leadership is currently recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), while Gombe’s faction is challenging the takeover in court.
Gombe accused some members of the G-100 Coalition and Atiku of engaging in behind-the-scenes discussions aimed at compelling the ADC to enter an alliance ahead of the elections.
The dispute highlights the continuing struggle over the party’s leadership and political direction as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.