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Former Senate President David Mark said the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary has demonstrated that democracy and healthy political competition could still function in Nigeria without crisis or division.
Mark spoke on Wednesday during the collation and declaration of results at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, where former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerged as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
According to the results announced at the event, Atiku polled 1,846,370 votes to defeat former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, who secured 504,117 votes, and former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, who scored 177,120 votes.
Following the declaration, Mark presented the party’s flag to Atiku as the ADC presidential standard-bearer.
The former Senate President said the exercise went beyond producing a candidate, noting that it was also aimed at proving that internal democracy could still work effectively in Nigeria and that political competition need not degenerate into conflict.
He said the conduct of the primary showed that political parties could be built on principles rather than personalities and expressed optimism that Nigeria could still have a brighter future despite prevailing national challenges.
“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,” Mark said.
Mark stated that many people had doubted ADC’s ability to organise a peaceful and credible primary, with some predicting confusion and division within the party, but added that party members remained united throughout the process.
“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.
He also commended members of the Presidential Screening Committee and Presidential Primary Election Committee for what he described as their professionalism, discipline and commitment to fairness despite the pressure surrounding the exercise.
According to him, the successful conduct of the primary had strengthened public confidence in the integrity of the ADC and its democratic processes.
Mark further praised Atiku, Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen for participating in the contest, describing the exercise as evidence of the party’s commitment to internal democracy.
He noted that the ADC was the only major political party to have three strong aspirants contesting its presidential ticket, adding that the aspirants contributed to strengthening democracy by submitting themselves to the party’s electoral process despite tensions and pressure ahead of the primary.
“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.
“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.”
“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.
The ADC began its presidential primary process on May 25 using the direct primary method after all three aspirants reportedly rejected calls to step down for a consensus candidate.
