ADC’s Atiku Victory a Testament to Internal Democracy – David Mark

National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) , David Mark and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar

ADC’s Atiku Victory a Testament to Internal Democracy – David Mark

ABUJA – The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) , David Mark, has officially reacted to the emergence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election, declaring that the victory proves democracy can still function in Nigeria. Mark spoke on Wednesday night during the official collation and announcement of results at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, shortly after Atiku secured a landslide victory over former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and economist Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.

In his address, the former Senate President emphasized that the ADC primary was not just about selecting a candidate but about sending a message to the nation. “Today is not just about announcing a presidential candidate,” Mark said. “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 organize itself around principles instead of personalities.” Mark also praised the conduct of the exercise, noting that the ADC remained committed to internal democracy despite predictions of collapse from critics. “Many people doubted us. Some dismissed us. Others predicted confusion, division, and even outright collapse,” he added.

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According to results released by the ADC Electoral Committee, Atiku Abubakar defeated both Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen by wide margins across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. In Gombe State, Atiku polled 139,334 votes compared to Amaechi’s 1,150 and Hayatu-Deen’s 464. In Abia State, Atiku secured 25,153 votes while Amaechi had 18,339 and Hayatu-Deen had 3,264. In Osun State, Atiku won across all 30 local government areas with 12,321 votes, followed by Hayatu-Deen with 4,000 and Amaechi with 679. In Sokoto and Zamfara States, Atiku secured over 60,000 votes in each state. The ADC adopted the Option A4 voting method, with accredited party members queuing behind their preferred aspirants across 8,809 wards nationwide.

Mark took time to acknowledge the courage of the two other aspirants, describing them as democrats who strengthened the process. “It is important to mention that we are the only political party to have three strong aspirants contest for the presidential ticket,” Mark stated. “This alone makes the ADC unique in its deep commitment to democracy and democratic practices.” He revealed that he had hosted all three aspirants to a private dinner before the primary, where he urged them to prioritize national liberation over personal ambition. “Whatever happens in this primary, let us remember why we are doing this. The majority of Nigerians are looking up to us to liberate them from the current regime of suffering. We must not let them down,” Mark recalled telling them.

Accepting the nomination, Atiku Abubakar thanked the ADC leadership and specifically reached out to his rivals. “I therefore appeal to all those who feel aggrieved to come back to our party and close ranks with the rest of us,” Atiku said. “In particular, I invite Chief Rotimi Amaechi and Alhaji Mohammed Hayatu-Deen to join me in this fight to save our democracy and our country. As I said previously, there are no winners and no losers.” Atiku also used the opportunity to criticize the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) , alleging that democracy was being “strangled” under the current administration, while declaring that democracy remains alive in the ADC.

With the presidential primary concluded, the African Democratic Congress now shifts focus to building a broader coalition to challenge the APC in the 2027 general elections. David Mark reiterated that the ADC remains a social democratic platform committed to people-centered governance and will not engage in anti-democratic practices. “We have a sacred responsibility to build a party that will stand as a great institution not only in Nigeria but as a great example across the world,” Atiku added.