The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Senator David Mark, has said the party’s presidential primary demonstrated that democracy and political competition can still thrive peacefully in Nigeria.
Mr Mark made the remarks on Wednesday at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, during the official collation and declaration ceremony of the ADC presidential primary election, where former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerged as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
According to results announced at the event, Mr Atiku defeated former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and former banker, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, in the contest.
“Atiku 1,846,370, Amaechi 504,117, Hayatudeen 177,120. Total votes cast in the election: 2,546,457. Total party membership for the election: 3,113,599,” the result announced at the venue stated.
Following the declaration, Mr Mark officially presented the ADC flag to Mr Atiku as the party’s presidential standard-bearer for 2027.
“Political competition should not become warfare”
Speaking during the event, Mr Mark said the primary election was about more than selecting a candidate, stressing that it served as proof that internal democracy can still function effectively in Nigeria’s political system.
“Today is not just about announcing a presidential candidate. Today is also about proving a point to Nigeria and to Nigerians.
“It is about proving that democracy can still work. Proving that political competition does not have to become political warfare. That a party can organise itself around principles instead of personalities,” Mr Mark said.
He added that the exercise offered hope at a time of growing political uncertainty in the country.
“In a season of deep national anxiety, a bright future is still possible.”
Mark praises ADC members, aspirants
Mr Mark noted that many political observers had doubted the ADC’s ability to conduct a peaceful and transparent primary election without internal crisis.
“Many people doubted us. Some dismissed us. Others predicted confusion, division, and even outright collapse.
“But you stood firm. You kept faith with the ADC. And today, because of your commitment, our party stands taller, stronger, and more united,” he stated.
The former Senate President also commended members of the Presidential Screening Committee and Presidential Primary Election Committee for maintaining fairness and professionalism despite intense public scrutiny.
According to him, the conduct of the exercise has strengthened confidence in the ADC’s democratic processes.
Three aspirants contested ADC ticket
Mr Mark further praised Mr Atiku, Mr Amaechi and Mr Hayatu-Deen for participating in the primary, describing their participation as evidence of the ADC’s commitment to democratic ideals.
“It is important to mention that we are the only political party to have three strong aspirants contest for the presidential ticket. This alone makes the ADC unique in its deep commitment to democracy and democratic practices,” he said.
He added that by participating in the process, the aspirants helped strengthen democratic culture within the party.
“By subjecting themselves to this process, they did not merely contest an election. They strengthened democracy.”
Background
The ADC commenced its presidential primary process on Monday,25 May, 2026, adopting the direct primary method after the three aspirants reportedly rejected calls for a consensus arrangement.
The primary election comes amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties seeking to strengthen their internal structures and coalition strategies.
Political analysts say the conduct of the ADC primary could shape perceptions of opposition readiness heading into the next electoral cycle.
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