2027: ADC is set to rescue Nigeria from Tinubu, APC – David Mark

Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has described the party’s presidential primary election as a “national rescue mission,” saying the exercise goes beyond selecting a presidential candidate.

Speaking on Tuesday at the official collation and declaration event of the ADC presidential primaries held at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Mark said Nigerians were looking up to the opposition to provide leadership and hope amid worsening economic hardship and insecurity.

“This primary is not simply about selecting a candidate. It is about beginning a national rescue mission,” he declared.

The former Senate President said the country was facing serious challenges, including insecurity, unemployment, inflation and growing hopelessness among citizens.

“Our country faces an existential challenge. Families are struggling to survive. Young people are losing faith in leadership. Communities are living in fear. And many Nigerians feel abandoned by those entrusted with power,” he said.

Mark stated that the ADC presidential primary was organised to demonstrate that democracy could still work in Nigeria through fairness, transparency and internal democracy.

“Today is not just about announcing a presidential candidate. Today is also about proving a point to Nigeria and to Nigerians,” he said.

“It is about proving that democracy can still work. Proving that political competition does not have to become political warfare.”

He disclosed that despite pressure from different quarters to endorse a preferred aspirant, the party leadership insisted on allowing a free and open contest.

“We are not a party where one individual—or a few powerful interests—sit in a room and decide the presidential candidate before members get the opportunity to vote,” Mark stated.

He said the ADC remained committed to democratic principles, adding that the party deliberately allowed members across the country to decide the outcome of the primary election.

Mark also commended the three presidential aspirants — former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen — for participating peacefully in the process.

According to him, their conduct strengthened democracy and reinforced public confidence in the party.

He congratulated Atiku Abubakar on emerging as the party’s presidential candidate and urged him to unite members ahead of the 2027 general election.

“This party has placed its trust in you and you must realise that you now have a duty to build bridges and carry every member along,” he said.

Mark further urged party members and supporters to remain united, stressing that Nigerians were watching to see whether opposition leaders could rise above personal interests and divisions.

“Let tonight send a message across our nation that the ADC stands for fairness, inclusion, courage, and democratic integrity,” he added.