By Divine Sam.

A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by Nafiu Bala Gombe, has distanced itself from former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, warning him against presenting himself as the party’s presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The faction has also dismissed reports of any agreement to form an alliance, merger or coalition with the G-100 Coalition, insisting that the party intends to maintain its independence and pursue its political ambitions without external pressure.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Gombe accused Atiku and some members of the G-100 Coalition of allegedly attempting to influence the party’s leadership into accepting a political arrangement that, according to him, could undermine the ADC’s autonomy.

He maintained that the party would participate in the 2027 elections independently and would not allow its political direction to be dictated by individuals seeking to advance their personal interests.

The development comes amid the lingering leadership crisis within the ADC, with rival factions laying claim to the party’s leadership. One faction is led by former Senate President David Mark, whose leadership is currently recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), while Gombe’s group is challenging the development in court.

Gombe further alleged that some members of the G-100 Coalition, alongside Atiku, had been involved in behind-the-scenes discussions aimed at compelling the ADC to enter into a political alliance ahead of the next general elections.

He, however, insisted that his faction had no intention of entering into any political arrangement with another party before the 2027 polls.

“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.

“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 latest development adds another dimension to the political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 elections, as opposition figures and political groups continue to explore possible platforms and alliances in preparation for the contest.