National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Senator David Mark, on Saturday moved to steady the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging members to subordinate personal ambition to party interests while assuring aggrieved aspirants that complaints arising from recent primaries would be addressed through established internal mechanisms.
Speaking at the party’s National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja, Mark identified internal cohesion as a critical test facing the ADC as it seeks to position itself as a credible alternative in Nigeria’s increasingly competitive political environment.
The former Senate President’s remarks were made at a period of heightened political activity following the party’s primaries in several states and constituencies, where disputes and petitions have emerged from contestants dissatisfied with outcomes.
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Addressing party leaders, state chairmen, and stakeholders, Mark acknowledged the existence of complaints and appeals but maintained that the National Working Committee (NWC) would review recommendations submitted by appeal panels before taking what he described as fair and responsible decisions.
David Mark also emphasised that the party’s immediate challenge was not merely about selecting candidates but preserving unity at a time when opposition parties are expected to intensify preparations for the next electoral cycle.
David Mark asserted that strong political organisations are sustained by institutions rather than individuals, and then cautioned members against actions capable of weakening the party from within.
He urged party leaders across the federation to close ranks; he warned that internal divisions could undermine the ADC’s ambition to attract Nigerians searching for an alternative political platform.
The intervention appears aimed at preventing post-primary grievances from developing into wider factional disputes, a recurring problem that has weakened several political parties in previous election cycles.
While discussing internal matters, Mark also used the occasion to present the ADC’s position on national issues, particularly insecurity and economic hardship.
He painted a bleak picture of prevailing conditions across the country, citing persistent insecurity, displacement of communities, economic difficulties, and declining purchasing power among citizens.
According to him, millions of Nigerians continue to grapple with hardship, while businesses face mounting challenges under difficult economic conditions.
However, David Mark stopped short of direct political attacks, insisting that the ADC would not seek to exploit national suffering for partisan advantage.
Instead, he called on governments at all levels to intensify efforts toward restoring security and improving economic conditions.
His comments reflected an attempt to strike a balance between opposition criticism and statesmanship, a posture that could become increasingly significant as parties begin positioning themselves ahead of 2027.
Apart from addressing current challenges, the ADC chairman framed the party’s preparations for future elections as a test of discipline and organisational maturity.
He argued that the party must focus on expanding its grassroots structures, increasing membership and presenting practical policy alternatives capable of attracting broader public support.
David Mark further stated that candidates emerging under the ADC platform must possess not only loyalty to the party’s ideals but also the credibility and electoral strength required to win elections.
The emphasis on candidate viability suggests that the party’s leadership is already looking beyond internal contests towards consumption of the broader challenges of competing effectively in national elections.
As opposition parties continue to reorganise and explore new alliances, Saturday’s NEC meeting offered an indication that the ADC leadership is prioritising internal stability as a foundation for future electoral ambitions.
For a party seeking greater national relevance, Mark’s message was unmistakable: resolving internal disputes may prove just as important as confronting political rivals in the race toward 2027.
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