By Emeka Amaefula
“POLITICS MUST NOT BECOME WARFARE” — DAVID MARK AT ADC PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARIES RESULT DECLARATION
Senator David Mark, GCON, Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has declared that the party’s presidential primaries have demonstrated that democracy can still thrive in Nigeria through fairness, transparency, and internal unity.
Speaking at the official collation and declaration event of the ADC Presidential Primaries held at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Senator Mark said the exercise was not merely about producing a presidential candidate, but about proving that political competition does not have to degenerate into political warfare.
Addressing party leaders, stakeholders, coalition partners, elected officials, youth groups, civil society organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, INEC officials, the media, party faithful, and Nigerians across the country and in the diaspora, the former Senate President described the event as historic and a defining moment for democratic culture in Nigeria.
According to him, the ADC has shown that a political party can organise itself around principles rather than personalities, adding that in a period of deep national anxiety, there remains hope for a brighter future.
Senator Mark commended members of the party for their steadfastness, sacrifices, patience, and faith in the ADC despite doubts, criticisms, and predictions of division from political observers. He noted that the resilience of party members had strengthened and united the party.
He also praised members of the Presidential Screening Committee and the Presidential Primary Election Committee for their patriotism, professionalism, and commitment to fairness throughout the process, despite what he described as enormous pressure and logistical challenges.
The ADC Chairman further applauded the party’s three presidential aspirants — former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, GCON; former Rivers State Governor and immediate past Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, CON; and former Chairman of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group and former Chairman of NNDC, Alhaji Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, OON.
He described the trio as courageous democrats whose participation strengthened internal democracy within the party. Senator Mark noted that the ADC remained the only major political party in the country with three formidable aspirants openly contesting for its presidential ticket, a development he said reflected the party’s deep commitment to democratic principles.
Recalling a private meeting he held with the aspirants before the primaries, Senator Mark disclosed that he urged them to remember that millions of Nigerians were looking up to the ADC for liberation from hardship and poor governance.
He stressed that the party had a rare opportunity to establish a new political culture in which ambition would not destroy unity and where the integrity of the process would matter as much as the outcome.
Senator Mark revealed that since assuming office as Chairman of the ADC, he had pledged before God and Nigerians to ensure fairness, equal opportunity, and a level playing field for all party members, regardless of status or influence.
He admitted that he faced intense pressure from various quarters to endorse particular aspirants or influence the outcome of the primaries, but insisted that the ADC was not a party where a few individuals would impose candidates on members.
“We are a party committed to the highest principles of democratic practice,” he stated, adding that the primary election was conducted freely and fairly, allowing members across the country to make their choice without interference.
While acknowledging that the direct primary system imposed enormous administrative and logistical burdens across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Mark maintained that the overall process remained credible, transparent, and in line with democratic standards.
He conceded that there were shortcomings in the exercise but insisted they were not substantial enough to invalidate the process, adding that valuable lessons had been learnt for future elections.
The ADC Chairman reiterated the party’s commitment to building a political organisation founded on internal democracy, accountability, and administrative efficiency.
He called on all aspirants and supporters to rise above personal ambitions and embrace unity for the larger mission of rescuing Nigeria from economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, inflation, and social division.
According to him, Nigerians are watching closely to see whether opposition leaders can rise above ego and personal interests in order to prioritise national development.
Senator Mark described the ADC as a social democratic party committed to putting citizens first, protecting democratic values, and improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
He noted that the party’s constitution guarantees the independence of its bureaucracy and accommodates diverse groups, including trade unions, professional associations, youth groups, women, persons living with disabilities, and patriotic Nigerians from all backgrounds.
Declaring the result of the presidential primaries, Senator Mark congratulated former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on emerging as the party’s presidential candidate.
He urged the former Vice President to build bridges across the party and carry every member along, stressing that the larger mission remained greater than individual ambition.
“Today, all of us have won, but we must remember that the larger mission remains greater than personal interests. We must work together, not only for ourselves, but for the Nigerian people,” he declared.
Senator Mark concluded by urging all party members, supporters, and aspirants to embrace unity, sportsmanship, and patriotism, while expressing confidence that the ADC, with the support of Nigerians, would prevail in the journey ahead.
He called on members to leave the hall united as one family with one purpose — building a better Nigeria.
The event ended with prayers for the African Democratic Congress, its aspirants, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
—– Emeka Amaefula —–+234(0)8111813069—
