A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by National Chairman, Nafiu Gombe, has strongly dismissed reports suggesting that it is actively pursuing the support of prominent political figures, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Governor of Anambra State Peter Obi, and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader Rabiu Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Gombe refuted the claims, emphasising that the ADC under his leadership remains committed to building an independent political platform and has no plans to align with any of these national figures.
“The ADC strongly appeals to its members and the general public to completely disregard and ignore the unfounded rumors circulating about political alignments involving individuals such as Atiku Abubakar, Mr Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Goodluck Jonathan,” Gombe said.
He reiterated that the party’s focus remains squarely on strengthening its ideological foundation, stressing that the ADC is determined to remain an independent and robust political platform.
“The ADC’s focus remains on building a strong, independent, and ideologically driven platform,” Gombe added, addressing concerns over speculative political alliances.
Gombe further assured party members and the public that the ADC would be guided strictly by its constitution and internal processes.
He clarified that, in accordance with the party’s rules, only fully registered and financially up-to-date members are eligible to vote or contest in any ADC elections or congresses.
In a move to reinforce the party’s internal democratic structure, Gombe announced the successful completion of the inauguration of Zonal Congress Committees in three key geopolitical zones. This initiative, he noted, highlights the party’s commitment to internal democracy and counters the ongoing rumours of clandestine political agreements.
The South-West Zonal Congress Committee was inaugurated in Ekiti State on January 7, 2026, with Bala Sani named as chairman of the committee, and Kyauta Yakubu appointed as chairman of the Appeal Committee. Similarly, the South-East Zonal Congress Committee was inaugurated in Enugu State on the same day, with Adamu Ado Dauda as chairman, and Mrs. Iyabo Alibi heading the Appeal Committee.
The North-Central Zonal Congress Committee was inaugurated earlier on January 5, 2026, with Lolo Ehirudu as chairman and Hon. Sa’ad Aboki leading the Appeal Committee.
Gombe’s remarks come amid mounting tensions within opposition politics as the race for the ADC’s presidential ticket intensifies. High-profile figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi, have publicly expressed interest in securing the ADC’s presidential nomination.
Atiku, who contested the 2023 election as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, is now seeking the ADC’s presidential ticket. He recently issued a statement, titled “Nigeria’s Democracy Under Siege: Opposition Faces Existential Threat,” accusing the Presidency and All Progressives Congress (APC) of interfering in the ADC’s internal processes.
Atiku has insisted that he will not step aside for any other candidate, despite calls from some quarters for him to withdraw from the race. In his statement, Atiku described the calls for him to step aside as a direct threat to the country’s democracy.
“Should I choose to contest, I will do so because the Nigerian people deserve leadership that represents their interests. The ADC is a platform for such leadership,” Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, quoted him as saying.
Along with Atiku, Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi, both prominent figures within Nigerian politics, have expressed interest in the ADC’s presidential ticket, signalling what promises to be a highly competitive opposition primary ahead of the 2027 general election.
Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in 2023, is now aligned with the ADC as he seeks another run for the presidency. Amaechi, a former Governor of Rivers State and former Minister of Transportation, previously contested the APC’s presidential primary in 2022.