2027: ADC Faction Disowns Atiku, Rejects G-100 Alliance Amid Party Crisis

ABUJA — A fresh leadership dispute has emerged within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after a faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe disowned former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections and rejected any alliance with the G-100 opposition coalition.

The faction insisted that it would not allow its political platform to be used to advance arrangements it had not authorised, warning Atiku and individuals associated with the G-100 against presenting him as its flagbearer.

In a statement, Gombe accused some elements within the G-100 coalition and Atiku of allegedly attempting to pressure the faction into a political alliance or merger ahead of the elections.

He maintained that the faction would protect the party’s identity, organisational structure and political independence rather than surrender its platform to the ambitions of individual politicians.

“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,” the faction declared.

Gombe also issued a direct warning to Atiku, urging the former vice-president to stop presenting himself as the faction’s presidential candidate or speaking on its behalf.

The development comes amid continuing divisions over the leadership and direction of the ADC as opposition politicians explore ways to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

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The G-100 initiative has been involved in discussions aimed at improving cooperation among opposition forces, including proposals for a common platform or a single presidential candidate capable of mounting a stronger challenge to the ruling party.

However, the discussions have encountered resistance from political figures unwilling to abandon their presidential ambitions in favour of a consensus candidate.

Atiku’s position within the ADC has also become a point of contention between rival factions. While the Gombe-led group rejects his candidacy, the faction led by former Senate President David Mark has recognised him as its presidential candidate.

The ADC’s publicly available announcements previously stated that Atiku won its presidential primary and that his name, alongside that of former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi as running mate, was submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The competing claims underscore the importance of distinguishing the Gombe faction’s position from that of the rival ADC leadership. The latest statement does not, by itself, establish that the entire party has withdrawn its endorsement of Atiku.

Meanwhile, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party’s discussions facilitated by the G-100 were focused on electoral cooperation rather than necessarily producing a single presidential candidate.

The clarification highlights the differences between efforts to coordinate opposition parties and proposals requiring individual candidates to withdraw from the presidential race.

For Atiku, who is seeking another opportunity to contest Nigeria’s highest political office, the controversy presents an additional challenge as opposition groups negotiate their strategies ahead of the 2027 elections.

The dispute also raises questions about the ADC’s ability to maintain unity while managing rival leadership claims, coalition negotiations and competing political interests.

With the election approaching, the resolution of the party’s internal disagreements could prove significant to its preparations and its prospects of presenting a united opposition front.

For now, the Gombe-led faction has maintained that it will pursue its political objectives independently and will not accept an alliance or candidate arrangement it considers unauthorised.