National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, on Wednesday said the party’s presidential primary demonstrated that democracy and political competition can still thrive in Nigeria without crisis or division.
Mark made the remarks at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, during the official collation and declaration of results of the party’s presidential primary, 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 Abubakar 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 read.
Following the declaration, Senator David Mark formally presented the ADC flag to Atiku as the party’s presidential candidate for the upcoming election.
Speaking after the announcement, Mark said the exercise was not only about producing a flag bearer but also about demonstrating that internal democracy could 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,” he said.
He added that the process reflected hope for the country even in a period of political uncertainty.
“In a season of deep national anxiety, a bright future is still possible,” Mark said.
The ADC chairman noted that many had doubted the party’s ability to conduct a peaceful and credible primary, predicting internal conflict and collapse.
“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 added.
Mark also praised members of the Presidential Screening Committee and the Presidential Primary Election Committee, describing their conduct as professional and transparent despite pressure.
“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 said.
He stated that their work 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,” he said.
The ADC chairman also commended Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen for participating in the contest, describing it as evidence of the party’s democratic strength.
“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,” Mark said.
He added that by participating in the process, the aspirants strengthened democracy in the country.
“By subjecting themselves to this process, they did not merely contest an election. They strengthened democracy,” he said.
The ADC began its presidential primary process on May 25, 2026, using the direct primary method after all three aspirants reportedly declined calls for a consensus candidate.
