David Mark: ADC primary proved democracy still works

National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Senator David Mark, on Wednesday said the party’s presidential primary had shown 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 collation and declaration of results for the ADC presidential primary, where former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerged as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

Atiku defeated former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen in the contest conducted through the direct primary method.

The results announced at the event showed Atiku polled 1,846,370 votes, while Amaechi secured 504,117 votes and Hayatu-Deen got 177,120 votes.

A total of 2,546,457 votes were cast from a total party membership of 3,113,599.

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

Speaking after the exercise, the former Senate President said the primary was not only about producing a candidate but also about restoring faith in internal democracy.

He said: “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 added that the exercise had shown that hope remained possible despite the country’s political challenges.

He said: “In a season of deep national anxiety, a bright future is still possible.”

The ADC chairman said many Nigerians had doubted the party’s ability to conduct a peaceful and transparent primary.

He said: “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.”

Mark also praised members of the Presidential Screening Committee and Presidential Primary Election Committee for conducting the exercise despite mounting pressure and national attention.

He said: “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.”

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

He stated: “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 further commended Atiku, Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen for participating in the race, describing the contest as proof of ADC’s democratic culture.

He said: “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.”