- A total of 2,546,457 votes were cast during the exercise from the party’s membership strength of 3,113,599
- Mark formally presented the ADC flag to Atiku as the party’s presidential standard-bearer for the 2027 election
- Mark added that the exercise offered hope at a time when many Nigerians are worried about the country’s future
National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, has described the party’s presidential primary as proof that democracy and healthy political competition can thrive in Nigeria without conflict or division.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that Mark spoke on Wednesday at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton in Abuja during the collation and official declaration of results from the party’s presidential primary election.
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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerged as the ADC presidential candidate for the 2027 general election after defeating former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.
According to the results announced at the event, Atiku secured 1,846,370 votes, while Amaechi polled 504,117 votes and Hayatu-Deen received 177,120 votes.
A total of 2,546,457 votes were cast during the exercise from the party’s membership strength of 3,113,599.
Following the announcement, Mark formally presented the ADC flag to Atiku as the party’s presidential standard-bearer for the 2027 election.
Addressing party members and delegates, the former Senate President said the primary election was not only about selecting a candidate but also about demonstrating that internal democracy remains possible in Nigeria’s political system.
He said the process showed that political competition does not have to lead to hostility and that political parties can still operate on the basis of principles rather than personal interests.
Mark added that the exercise offered hope at a time when many Nigerians are worried about the country’s future.
According to him, several people doubted the ability of the ADC to conduct a peaceful and transparent primary, with some predicting crisis and division within the party.
He, however, commended party members for remaining committed and united throughout the process, noting that their support had strengthened the party.
The ADC chairman also praised members of the Presidential Screening Committee and the Presidential Primary Election Committee for handling the exercise professionally despite pressure and national attention.
He said their commitment to fairness and transparency had enhanced confidence in the credibility of the party’s democratic process.
Mark further applauded Atiku, Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen for participating in the contest, describing their involvement as evidence of the ADC’s commitment to democratic values.
According to him, the presence of three strong aspirants in the race reflected the party’s openness and internal democratic culture.
He added that by participating in the process despite tensions surrounding the exercise, the aspirants had contributed to strengthening democracy in the country.
