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 denied reports of any agreement between the ADC and the G100 Coalition to form an alliance, merger or political coalition ahead of the elections.
Gombe, who describes himself as the national chairman of the faction, alleged that Atiku and some members of the G100 Coalition were engaged in behind-the-scenes negotiations aimed at pressuring the party into an arrangement that would undermine its independence. 
In a statement issued on Saturday, Gombe said the ADC would contest the 2027 elections independently and 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,” he said.
He insisted that the party had no plan to enter into an alliance, merger or coalition with any political party ahead of the 2027 elections.
“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 stated.
The development comes amid the leadership crisis in the ADC, with rival factions laying claim to control of the party.
One faction is led by former Senate President David Mark and is currently recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, while Gombe’s faction is challenging the leadership arrangement in court.
Gombe further accused Atiku and some members of the G100 Coalition of attempting to influence the ADC’s leadership and force the party into a political arrangement ahead of the 2027 elections.
He maintained that the ADC would retain its independence and determine its political direction without external pressure.
