A section of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has revealed businessman, Professor Chris Uba, as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.
It was stated that the faction, commanded by Bala Gombe, declared Uba emerged after the end of its nationwide primary polls.
The development comes days after former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar emerged as presidential candidate of another faction of the party after defeating former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and former banker, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, in a primary held across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking during the formal presentation of candidates in Abuja on Sunday, the factional National Chairman of the ADC, Bala Gombe, declared the presidential ticket was assigned to Southern Nigeria.
He said the judgment was in line with the ideals of equity, fairness, inclusion and federal character. According to him, three contenders initially purchased the party’s Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms.
“They were Dr Bashir Sani, Prince Williams Charles and Prof. Chris Uba,” Gombe stated.
Gombe stated the faction accepted the consensus option approved by the Electoral Act.
He said two other presidential hopefuls withdrew from the campaign and endorsed Uba as the sole candidate.
Gombe further stated, “In adherence to the principle of federal character and in accordance with Section 84(2) of the Electoral Act, 2026, as amended, which recognises consensus as a lawful mode for the selection or nomination of candidates by political parties, the African Democratic Congress adopted consensus as the method for its presidential, governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly primary election.
“Pursuant to this provision and in the interest of party unity, two of the party’s presidential aspirants voluntarily withdrew from the contest and endorsed Prof. Chief Chris Uba as the party’s sole presidential candidate.
“Consequently, Prof. Uba has been duly returned as the consensus candidate and duly elected to represent ADC as its presidential flagbearer in the 2027 general elections.”
29 Governorship Candidates Presented
The faction also gave flags to 29 governorship hopefuls across the six geographic zones.
Gombe claimed the party was revealing candidates that emerged from its internal democratic processes.
He stated, “Furthermore, in the spirit of humility, transparency, and profound respect for our members, stakeholders, and the general public, the leadership of ADC is pleased to formally present and unveil the comprehensive list of candidates duly nominated and elected under our platform.
“This list comprises the ADC presidential candidate, as well as the governorship candidates across 29 states of the federation, all of whom emerged through the party’s constitutionally approved internal democratic processes.”
Among those offered as governorship candidates were Muhammad Usman Shuwa for Adamawa, Idris Adamu Yanoko for Kano, Shamsudin Muhammad for Kaduna, Ibrahim Al-Ameen Gumi for Zamfara, Babagana Mala for Borno and Musliu Babadele for Lagos.
Others are Ganiyu Alabi for Ogun, Rukayya Salami for Osun, Gbenga Gbenga for Oyo, Gada Suswan for Benue, Dijatu Abdul Salam for Nasarawa and Christopher Benjo for Delta.
Gombe said the faction had successfully concluded primaries for governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly positions nationwide.
“In furtherance of our commitment to ensure full participation of the African Democratic Congress in the 2027 general elections by fielding credible, qualified, and constitutionally compliant candidates across all elective positions, we are pleased to announce the successful conclusion of all our party primaries,” he said.
“The entire process was conducted peacefully, transparently, and in strict compliance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act 2026 as amended, and the ADC Constitution and Electoral Guidelines, fostering unity and cordiality among all stakeholders. May Allah grant us knowledge, direction, and overwhelming success in all the elections. Ameen,” he added.
