The leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken a fresh turn after the faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe announced that it had uploaded its presidential, vice presidential and National Assembly candidates for the 2027 general elections to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal.
In a statement issued on Monday, the faction said the move reflected its commitment to providing Nigerians with credible, competent and people centred leadership. It, however, did not disclose the identities of the candidates it claimed to have submitted.
The development has been strongly disputed by the rival ADC leadership headed by former Senate President David Mark. The Mark led faction described the claim as false, insisting that only the party leadership recognised by INEC has access to the commission’s nomination portal and the authority to obtain nomination codes for candidates.
The faction also urged INEC to investigate what it alleged was the unauthorised use of the commission’s documents and processes.
The competing claims underscore the deepening leadership tussle within the ADC as both factions continue to assert control of the party ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
INEC has not publicly confirmed the submission of candidates by either faction, leaving the matter unresolved as the legal and political battle over the party’s leadership continues.
