ABUJA — The faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Nafiu Bala Gombe has formally unveiled Chief Chris Uba as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, following the conclusion of the party’s consensus-based primary elections.

The development was announced on Monday during the official presentation of the party’s presidential and governorship candidates, where the ADC leadership described the nomination process as transparent, peaceful and fully compliant with constitutional and electoral requirements.

Speaking at the event, Gombe explained that the party had zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria in line with the principles of federal character, equity, fairness and national inclusiveness.

According to him, three aspirants initially purchased the party’s Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms to contest the presidential ticket. They were Dr. Bashir Mohammed Sani, Williams Charles and Chief Chris Uba.

However, in what the party described as a move to promote unity and cohesion ahead of the 2027 elections, two of the aspirants reportedly stepped down and endorsed Uba as the sole consensus candidate.

Gombe said the decision was in line with the provisions of Section 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026 (as amended), which recognises consensus as a lawful method for the nomination of candidates by political parties.

“In accordance with Section 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026, as amended, which recognises consensus as a lawful mode for the selection and 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 elections,” he stated.

He added that the voluntary withdrawal of the other presidential aspirants paved the way for Uba’s emergence as the party’s consensus candidate.

“Consequently, Prof. Chief Chris Uba has been duly returned as the consensus candidate and duly elected to represent the African Democratic Congress as its presidential flag bearer in the 2027 general elections,” Gombe declared.

The ADC chairman noted that the presentation of candidates formed part of the party’s commitment to transparency and accountability to its members, stakeholders and the Nigerian public.

He said the party was pleased to formally unveil its comprehensive list of candidates who emerged through what he described as constitutionally approved internal democratic processes.

As part of the unveiling, the party announced governorship candidates for 29 states of the federation.

Among those presented were Muhammad Usman Shuwa for Adamawa State, Idris Adamu Yanoko for Kano State, Shamsudin Muhammad for Kaduna State, Ibrahim Al-Ameen Gumi for Zamfara State, Babagana Mala for Borno State and Musliu Babadele for Lagos State.

Others include Ganiyu Alabi for Ogun State, Rukayya Salami for Osun State, Gbenga Gbenga for Oyo State, Gada Suswan for Benue State, Dijatu Abdul Salam for Nasarawa State and Christopher Benjo for Delta State.

The party leadership also disclosed that its primaries for governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly positions had been successfully concluded across the country.

Gombe maintained that all electoral exercises conducted by the party adhered strictly to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act 2026, the ADC Constitution and the party’s electoral guidelines.

He expressed confidence that the party’s candidates would provide Nigerians with a credible political alternative in the 2027 elections, while urging members to remain united and committed to strengthening the party’s structures nationwide.

The unveiling of Uba and the governorship candidates marks a significant step in the ADC’s preparations for the next general election as political parties begin to position themselves for the 2027 contest.

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing what he described as widespread manipulation and irregularities during the party’s recently concluded primary elections.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, Lawal accused the party leadership of orchestrating a “massively rigged” exercise designed to favour former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and his political associates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The ADC recently conducted nationwide direct primaries to select candidates for governorship, National Assembly, and state legislative elections. The party also held its presidential primary, where Atiku emerged victorious after polling 1,846,370 votes. Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi secured 504,117 votes, while businessman and former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen garnered 177,120 votes.

However, the outcome immediately generated controversy as both Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen rejected the results and boycotted the official declaration ceremony held in Abuja.

‘A Disgraceful Charade’

Lawal, who shares political roots with Atiku in Adamawa State, alleged that the primaries were manipulated at every level to guarantee victory for the former vice-president and his loyalists.

Expressing disappointment over what he termed the silence of party members, Lawal said many within the ADC appeared willing to accept what he regarded as blatant electoral malpractice.

“I sense a conspiracy of silence of which I want no part. Most members of the party are behaving as if this is the normal thing to do,” he stated.

According to him, even in locations where elections were conducted, the outcomes were allegedly altered to favour candidates linked to Atiku’s political camp.

“Even where they allowed some semblance of election to hold, the winners were simply replaced with members of his syndicate. In the real sense, it was a disgraceful charade,” he alleged.

Rejects Participation in Alleged Rigging Plot

The former SGF said his decision to leave the ADC was informed by his refusal to be associated with any political process he believes undermines democratic principles.

Lawal argued that supporting Atiku’s presidential ambition in 2027 would effectively hand President Bola Ahmed Tinubu an easy path to re-election.

“I do not want to be part of any rigging arrangement. Working for Atiku is tantamount to giving Tinubu an automatic ticket to a second term, and that gives me nightmares,” he said.

Tinubu Better Than Atiku, Says Lawal

In one of the most striking parts of his statement, Lawal asserted that despite his criticisms of the current administration, President Tinubu would ultimately prove to be a better leader than Atiku.

He described the former vice-president as lacking the competence and leadership qualities required to govern Nigeria effectively, declaring that he would actively work against Atiku’s presidential bid in the next election cycle.

The development marks a significant political rupture between two prominent northern politicians who were once regarded as allies. It also adds to the growing tensions within the ADC following disputes surrounding its presidential primary process.

With the 2027 elections gradually taking shape, Lawal’s resignation and public criticism of Atiku are expected to fuel fresh debates over internal democracy within opposition parties and the prospects of forming a united front against the ruling administration.

Political observers believe the fallout could further deepen divisions within the ADC and complicate efforts by opposition forces seeking to challenge President Tinubu’s anticipated re-election campaign in 2027.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains fully committed to addressing the nation’s challenges, revealing that he often works late into the night and sometimes does not go to bed until 3:00 a.m.

Speaking over the weekend during an engagement with traditional rulers at Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado-Ekiti, as part of her one-day working visit to Ekiti State, the First Lady assured Nigerians that the President is dedicating his time and energy to ensuring effective governance and delivering on his administration’s promises.

According to Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the President’s demanding schedule reflects his determination to tackle critical national issues and improve the welfare of citizens.

“I can assure you, we don’t have Mondays or Sundays. The President is working round the clock to get this matter resolved. At times, Mr President will sleep at 3:00 a.m., and God has been faithful,” she said.

The First Lady noted that the administration remains focused on finding lasting solutions to the country’s challenges, stressing that President Tinubu continues to make sacrifices in the service of the nation.

She urged Nigerians to remain patient and supportive of the government’s efforts, expressing confidence that ongoing reforms and policies would ultimately yield positive results for the country.

The visit to Ekiti State formed part of Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s engagements aimed at strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders and promoting initiatives designed to improve the lives of Nigerians. During the meeting, traditional rulers commended the administration’s efforts and pledged their continued support for national development.

The First Lady reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering peace, stability, and economic growth, assuring citizens that President Tinubu remains steadfast in his resolve to build a better future for Nigeria.