National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Senator David Mark, on Wednesday said the party’s presidential primary had demonstrated that democracy and political competition could still thrive in Nigeria without crisis or division.
Mark spoke at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, during the official collation and declaration event 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 result announced at the event, 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 read.
Following the declaration, Mark officially presented the ADC flag to Atiku as the party’s presidential standard-bearer.
Speaking at the event, the former Senate President said the exercise was not merely about producing a presidential candidate but about proving that internal democracy could still function effectively in the country.
“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.
He added that the event showed that “in a season of deep national anxiety, a bright future is still possible.”
Mark said many Nigerians had doubted the party’s ability to conduct a peaceful and credible primary, with some predicting division and collapse within the ADC.
“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 praised members of the Presidential Screening Committee and Presidential Primary Election Committee for what he described as their professionalism and commitment to fairness despite pressure surrounding the exercise.
“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.
According to Mark, the conduct of the primary had strengthened confidence in the party and its 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 stated.
He also commended Atiku, Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen for participating in the contest, describing the exercise as evidence of the party’s democratic culture.
“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 former Senate President said the aspirants strengthened democracy by submitting themselves to the primary process despite pressure and tension surrounding the exercise.
“By subjecting themselves to this process, they did not merely contest an election. They strengthened democracy.
“And despite efforts in some quarters to create uncertainty and tension, they remained committed to this process and to the ideals of this party,” he added.
The ADC had commenced its presidential primary process on Monday, May 25, 2026, using the direct primary method after all three aspirants reportedly declined calls to step down for a consensus candidate.
