ABUJA — National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Senator David Mark, has said the party is offering Nigerians a political alternative founded on principles rather than personalities following the emergence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate.
Mark spoke on Wednesday night at the official collation and declaration of results of the ADC presidential primary held at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
The former Senate President said the exercise was not merely about producing a candidate for the 2027 presidential election but about rebuilding public trust in democracy and demonstrating that political competition could be conducted without rancour or imposition.
“Today is not just about announcing a presidential candidate. 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,” Mark said.
His remarks drew applause from party members, coalition partners, civil society groups and supporters present at the venue.
Mark said the ADC was determined to distinguish itself from political parties where candidates allegedly emerge through elite arrangements and predetermined outcomes.
“We are not a party where one individual, or a few powerful interests, sit in a room and decide the presidential candidate before members get the opportunity to vote,” he said.
“We did not work towards a predetermined outcome. We allowed a free contest. We allowed our members across Nigeria to make their choice.”
The ADC chairman formally congratulated Atiku Abubakar on his victory and urged him to unite all interests within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Tonight, the members of the African Democratic Congress have spoken,” Mark stated.
“I congratulate you, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. This party has placed its trust in you and you must realise that you now have a duty to build bridges and carry every member along.”
He also commended other aspirants, including former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as well as former Chairman of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, for participating in what he described as a credible democratic process.
According to him, their participation strengthened internal democracy within the party at a time when many Nigerians have expressed concerns over transparency in party primaries.
“By subjecting themselves to this process, they did not merely contest an election. They strengthened democracy,” Mark said.
The former Senate President disclosed that concerns over possible divisions within the party had been addressed before the commencement of voting through consultations with the aspirants.
He revealed that he hosted the three contenders to a private dinner where discussions focused on party unity and the expectations of Nigerians.
“Whatever happens in this primary, let us remember why we are doing this. Majority of Nigerians are looking up to us to liberate them from the current regime of suffering. We must not let them down,” he recalled telling the aspirants.
Mark acknowledged the challenges encountered in organising direct primary elections across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, noting that it was the first time the party was conducting such an extensive exercise.
“There were difficulties and challenges, especially given that we were attempting an assignment of this magnitude for the first time,” he said.
“But despite the challenges, I am proud to say that overall, we have conducted a process that was free, fair, credible and worthy of democratic standards.”
Speaking on the ideological direction of the party, Mark described the ADC as a social democratic platform committed to people-centred governance.
“We are social democrats. Our ideology is anchored on the simple but powerful belief that government must put citizens first; that leadership must serve the people; and that democracy must improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians,” he said.
He lamented the current economic and security situation in the country, saying many Nigerians were facing hardship, unemployment and declining confidence in leadership.
“Families are struggling to survive. Young people are losing faith in leadership. Communities are living in fear,” he added.
“That is why what we are doing here tonight matters more than the sum of individual ambitions or personal interests.”
With attention now shifting to the 2027 elections, Mark appealed to party members and supporters to remain united behind the party’s candidate.
“Let tonight send a message across our nation that the ADC stands for fairness, inclusion, courage and democratic integrity. Let tonight mark the rebirth of political trust in Nigeria,” he said.
