Nigeria’s opposition politics is taking another dramatic turn as a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by Nafiu Bala Gombe, announces its own presidential candidate and campaign council ahead of the 2027 general elections. But beneath the excitement of political appointments lies a bigger question: Who truly speaks for the ADC?
The Gombe-led faction has named Professor Chris Uba as its presidential candidate, with Dr Shamsudeen Barkindo as his running mate. Gombe himself will chair the Presidential Campaign Council, while Professor Ahmed Jidda Balarabe has been appointed director-general.
The council also features officials responsible for finance, mobilisation, youth and women affairs, logistics, emergency response and publicity. On paper, the structure suggests a faction preparing for a serious electoral contest.
However, Nigerian politics is rarely as straightforward as an announcement.
A Presidential Candidate Amid a Leadership Dispute
The ADC is currently caught in a leadership dispute between the faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe and the group associated with David Mark. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognises the David Mark-led leadership, while the Gombe faction has challenged the rival group’s claim in court.
This raises an important question: what does it mean to unveil a presidential candidate when the party’s leadership remains contested?
Political appointments can demonstrate organisation and ambition, but they do not automatically resolve questions of legitimacy. The courts and applicable electoral procedures will be crucial in determining the way forward.
Atiku, Coalition Politics and the Battle for Control
The controversy deepens with the Gombe faction’s rejection of any alliance, merger or coalition ahead of 2027.
The faction has also accused some members of the G100 Coalition and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of allegedly attempting to pressure its leadership into an alliance. These remain allegations by the faction, not established findings.
Gombe has warned Atiku against presenting himself as the ADC’s presidential candidate or speaking on behalf of his faction.
The development exposes a familiar challenge in opposition politics: the struggle to unite around a common platform while individuals and groups compete for influence.
What Does This Mean for 2027?
Nigeria needs a credible opposition capable of offering voters genuine alternatives. However, an opposition divided by leadership disputes, competing presidential ambitions and disagreements over coalitions risks weakening its own electoral prospects.
The question is whether the ADC can settle its internal differences before the political contest intensifies.
For now, one faction has unveiled its candidate and campaign council, while the larger leadership question remains unresolved.
In the end, the real test will not be who announces a candidate first, but who can establish legitimacy, build unity and earn the confidence of Nigerian voters.
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