A faction of the African Democratic Congress led by its National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, has given former Vice President Atiku Abubakar seven days to stop presenting himself as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election. The group also warned that it would begin legal action if he fails to comply with its demand.
The faction made its position known in a statement issued on Tuesday, insisting that Atiku was never chosen as the party’s presidential flag bearer. It also accused him of making statements on behalf of the party without approval.
According to the group, Atiku should publicly apologise to members and stakeholders of the ADC within the seven-day period for what it described as unauthorised actions. It maintained that any failure to do so would leave it with no option but to seek legal remedies.
The faction also asked the former vice president to stop using the party’s name, logo and other official symbols in matters relating to the 2027 election, insisting that he has no authority to speak or act for the party.
In the same statement, the Bala-led group called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to remove the names of members of the National Working Committee led by former Senate President David Mark from its records.
The faction argued that INEC should recognise what it described as the authentic leadership of the party. It claimed that a recent court judgment directed the electoral commission to withdraw recognition from the David Mark-led National Working Committee and invalidate every decision and action taken by that leadership.
The latest development adds to the leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress as rival groups continue to lay claim to the party’s structure and preparations ahead of the 2027 general election.