The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has taken another dramatic turn after a rival faction announced that it has submitted the names of its candidates for the 2027 general elections to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
The development means that two opposing camps within the party are now claiming to have completed the nomination process, further deepening the battle over who truly controls the ADC ahead of the next election cycle.
The latest claim came from the faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe, who disclosed that his leadership had successfully uploaded the credentials of its presidential, vice-presidential and National Assembly candidates to INEC’s nomination portal.
Although the faction did not reveal the identities of the candidates submitted, it maintained that the exercise was completed in line with electoral requirements.
In a statement released on Sunday, Bala Gombe described the submission as a significant milestone, saying it reflected the faction’s determination to protect what he called the interests of the party’s founding members.
According to him, the group remains committed to presenting candidates capable of offering responsible leadership and restoring public confidence in governance.
He added that the faction would continue to pursue what it described as a people-focused political agenda ahead of the 2027 elections.
The announcement has added another layer of uncertainty to the ADC’s internal dispute.
Only days earlier, the rival faction associated with former Senate President David Mark had also announced that it had successfully uploaded the names of its own presidential candidate and other flag bearers to the INEC portal.
With both camps now insisting they have completed the nomination process, attention is expected to shift to INEC as political observers await clarification on which submissions, if any, will eventually receive official recognition.
Meanwhile, former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, has continued efforts to rally support for the ADC, urging politicians to place public service above personal ambition.
Speaking while receiving former Tangaza Local Government Chairman, Isa Salihu Kalenjeni, into the party after his resignation from the All Progressives Congress, APC, Tambuwal said only politicians driven by conviction and genuine concern for Nigerians should identify with the ADC.
According to him, anyone convinced that their political journey is about serving the people rather than pursuing personal interests should not hesitate to leave any platform and embrace the ADC.
His remarks come as the party intensifies preparations for the 2027 elections despite the unresolved leadership dispute that continues to divide its ranks
