By Our Correspondent
National News – National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Senator David Mark, has said the party’s presidential primary election proved that democracy and peaceful political competition can still thrive in Nigeria.
Mark made the statement on Wednesday during the official declaration of results at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton in Abuja.
The former Senate President spoke after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerged as the ADC presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
According to the results announced by the party, Atiku polled 1,846,370 votes to defeat former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, who scored 504,117 votes, while Mohammed Hayatu-Deen secured 177,120 votes.
Mark said the exercise was not only about producing a presidential candidate but also about showing Nigerians that internal democracy could succeed without crisis, division, or violence.
He noted that many political observers doubted the ADC’s ability to conduct a transparent and peaceful primary election.
According to him, the successful conduct of the ADC presidential primary election has strengthened confidence in the party’s democratic process and leadership structure ahead of the 2027 elections.
He praised party members for remaining united despite pressure and political tension surrounding the contest.
David Mark also commended the Presidential Screening Committee and the Presidential Primary Election Committee for ensuring fairness, transparency, and credibility throughout the exercise.
He said their professionalism helped reinforce public trust in the African Democratic Congress.
The ADC chairman further applauded Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen for participating in the race instead of pushing for a consensus arrangement.
He described the contest as evidence of the party’s commitment to democratic values and healthy political competition in Nigeria.
The ADC began its presidential primary process on May 25, 2026, using the direct primary method after all three aspirants reportedly rejected calls to step down for a consensus candidate.
