ADC primary proved democracy can work in Nigeria — David Mark

National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Senator David Mark, on Wednesday said the party’s presidential primary had demonstrated that democracy and healthy political competition could still thrive in Nigeria without crisis or division.

 

Mark spoke during the official collation and declaration of results at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, where former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerged as the ADC presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

 

According to the results announced at the event, Atiku defeated former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and former banker, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.

 

The result showed that Atiku polled 1,846,370 votes, while Amaechi secured 504,117 votes and Hayatu-Deen got 177,120 votes.

 

“Total votes cast in the election: 2,546,457. Total party membership for the election: 3,113,599,” the party announced.

 

Following the declaration, Mark presented the ADC flag to Atiku as the party’s presidential standard-bearer for the 2027 election.

 

Speaking at the event, the former Senate President said the primary election was not only about producing a candidate but also about proving that internal democracy could work in Nigeria.

 

“Today is not just about announcing a presidential candidate. Today is also about proving a point to Nigeria and to Nigerians,” Mark said.

 

“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.”

 

He added that the exercise had shown that “in a season of deep national anxiety, a bright future is still possible.”

 

Mark said many Nigerians had doubted the ability of the ADC to organise a peaceful and credible primary election.

 

“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 said.

 

The ADC chairman also commended members of the Presidential Screening Committee and the Presidential Primary Election Committee for conducting what he described as a transparent and credible process.

 

“In the face of enormous pressure, logistical complexity, and intense national attention, they carried out their responsibilities with courage, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to fairness and transparency,” he stated.

 

According to him, the conduct of the primary had strengthened public confidence in the party’s democratic process.

 

“Their work has strengthened the credibility of this exercise and reinforced the confidence of our members and the Nigerian people in the integrity of the African Democratic Congress,” Mark added.

 

He also praised Atiku, Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen for participating in the contest despite pressure for a consensus arrangement.

 

“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.

 

“By subjecting themselves to this process, they did not merely contest an election. They strengthened democracy.”

 

The ADC commenced its presidential primary process on Monday using the direct primary method after all three aspirants reportedly declined calls to step down for a consensus candidate.