ADC Primary Proves Democracy Still Works in Nigeria, Says David Mark as Atiku Emerges Candidate

National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Senator David Mark, on Wednesday declared that the party’s presidential primary had demonstrated that democracy and healthy political competition could still thrive in Nigeria without crisis or division.

Mark spoke at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, during the official collation and declaration of results for the ADC presidential primary, where former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerged as the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 general election.

According to the results announced at the event, Atiku defeated former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and former banker, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, in the keenly contested exercise.

The results showed that Atiku secured 1,846,370 votes, while Amaechi polled 504,117 votes and Hayatu-Deen received 177,120 votes. Total votes cast stood at 2,546,457 out of the party’s 3,113,599 registered members eligible for the election.

Following the announcement, Mark officially presented the ADC flag to Atiku as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 polls.

Addressing party members and stakeholders, the former Senate President said the exercise was more than just selecting a candidate, stressing that it was proof that internal democracy could still function effectively in the country.

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

“It is about proving that democracy can still work. Proving that political competition does not have to become political warfare. That a party can organise itself around principles instead of personalities.”

He noted that the successful conduct of the primary had given hope to Nigerians amid growing national concerns, adding that many critics had doubted the party’s ability to hold a peaceful and transparent exercise.

“Many people doubted us. Some dismissed us. Others predicted confusion, division, and even outright collapse.

“But you stood firm. You kept faith with the ADC. And today, because of your commitment, our party stands taller, stronger, and more united,” he stated.

Mark also commended members of the Presidential Screening Committee and Presidential Primary Election Committee for what he described as their professionalism and commitment to fairness despite intense pressure and national attention.

According to him, their conduct strengthened public confidence in the integrity of the party and its democratic process.

The ADC chairman further praised Atiku, Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen for participating in the contest, describing the exercise as evidence of the party’s deep commitment to democratic values.

“It is important to mention that we are the only political party to have three strong aspirants contest for the presidential ticket. This alone makes the ADC unique in its deep commitment to democracy and democratic practices,” he said.

Mark added that by submitting themselves to the primary process despite political tension and pressure, the aspirants had contributed to strengthening democracy in Nigeria.

The ADC presidential primary process commenced on Monday, May 25, 2026, using the direct primary method after all three aspirants reportedly rejected calls to adopt a consensus arrangement.