A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Nafiu Bala Gombe has rejected the push for a single opposition consensus presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The faction, in an interview with Punch, said it was not part of any resolution reached by opposition figures at the Ibadan summit and would not support such an arrangement.
The development has exposed fresh cracks within Nigeria’s opposition bloc, as parties and political actors remain divided over how to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Gombe said the ADC faction he leads would pursue an independent path and field candidates for elective positions.
He said, “We are not in support of it and we as the Authentic members of the African Democratic Congress. So whatever resolution was taken in that place, we are not in support of it.
“The ADC is an existing party. It doesn’t exist yesterday, the day before yesterday, last week or last month. ADC has been in existence for almost 20 years now. We are fielding a candidate, and Inshallah, all the elective offices at all levels will support it.”
Gombe described the Ibadan summit as a gathering of former members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and aggrieved politicians.
He said, “In my view, the Ibadan Summit can best be described as the reunion of former members of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), aligning with aggrieved or disgruntled individuals who have been ignored from the party.
“So, for the record, I want to assure you that the African Democratic Congress was not involved in the summit, and should not be linked to any outcome or resolution coming from that summit.”
