A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced the submission of its presidential and National Assembly candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The faction, led by National Chairman Nafiu Bala Gombe, disclosed that the candidates’ particulars have been successfully uploaded to the commission’s nomination portal in compliance with Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC guidelines.

In a follow-up statement, the faction identified Chris Uba as its presidential candidate, with Shamsuddeen Modibbo Barkindo named as his running mate.

According to Gombe, the submission marks a significant milestone in the party’s preparation for the 2027 elections. He emphasized that the process strictly adhered to legal and procedural requirements, including the submission of sworn affidavits (Form EC9).

Uba, 71, hails from Anambra State and reportedly studied at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, as well as institutions in the United Kingdom. His running mate, Barkindo, 65, is from Adamawa State and attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

The faction described the ticket as a blend of competence, credibility, and experience, aimed at addressing Nigeria’s economic, security, and developmental challenges.

However, the development comes amid an ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC, with rival factions laying claim to the party’s structure. This has created uncertainty over which leadership INEC will ultimately recognize ahead of the elections.

Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld a restraining order preventing INEC from recognizing state congresses conducted by committees appointed by the caretaker leadership led by David Mark.

In a split decision, Justices Okon Abang and Donatus Okorowo upheld the earlier ruling of the Federal High Court delivered by Joyce Abdulmalik, affirming that only duly elected state executive committees have the authority to conduct congresses.

However, the presiding justice, Abba Mohammed, dissented, arguing that the matter concerns internal party affairs and falls outside the court’s jurisdiction.

With the crisis unresolved, it remains unclear whether INEC will accept the list submitted by the Gombe-led faction as the authentic ADC nominations for the 2027 elections.