The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has declared that the party’s presidential primary election demonstrated that democracy and healthy political competition can thrive in Nigeria without crisis or division.
Mark made the statement on Wednesday during the official collation and declaration of results at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton in 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, in the party’s presidential contest.
The results showed that Atiku secured 1,846,370 votes, while Amaechi polled 504,117 votes and Hayatu-Deen received 177,120 votes.
Following the declaration, David Mark officially presented the ADC flag to Atiku as the party’s presidential standard-bearer for the 2027 election.
Speaking at the event, Mark said the exercise was not only about producing a candidate but also about proving that internal democracy can still function effectively in Nigeria.
“Today is not just about announcing a presidential candidate. It is about proving that democracy can still work and that political competition does not have to become political warfare,” he said.
According to him, the primary election reflected the party’s commitment to principles, fairness, and democratic values despite the tension surrounding the exercise.
Mark noted that many Nigerians had doubted the party’s ability to conduct a peaceful and credible primary, with some predicting division and confusion within the ADC.
“Many people doubted us. Some predicted confusion and collapse, but today the ADC stands stronger, more united, and more committed to democracy,” he stated.
The former Senate President also praised members of the Presidential Screening Committee and the Presidential Primary Election Committee for what he described as professionalism, courage, and transparency throughout the process.
He commended Atiku, Amaechi, and Hayatu-Deen for participating in the contest, describing the exercise as evidence of the ADC’s democratic culture.
“It is important to mention that we are the only political party with three strong aspirants contesting for the presidential ticket. This makes the ADC unique in its commitment to democratic practices,” Mark added.
He further stated that by participating in the process despite political pressure and uncertainty, the aspirants helped strengthen democracy in Nigeria.
The ADC presidential primary reportedly commenced on May 25, 2026, using the direct primary method after all three aspirants declined calls to step down for a consensus arrangement.