The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially ratified the outcomes of the party’s presidential and governorship primary elections.
The approval came during the party’s 101st NEC meeting held on Saturday in Abuja, where members deliberated on reports submitted by various party organs.
The committee also endorsed the results of the state Houses of Assembly and National Assembly primaries, excluding those with pending appeals as of 29 May. Constituencies where primary elections remain incomplete were similarly set aside until the exercise is finalised.
In a significant decision, the NEC approved a 12-month tenure extension for the National Working Committee (NWC) beyond the expiration of its current mandate. Members also sanctioned the formation of caretaker committees at the zonal, state, local government, and ward levels, each for a 12-month period.
The committee additionally recognised Malam Nasir El-Rufai as a prisoner of conscience and called for his immediate release from detention.
Party Must Strengthen Internal Democracy, Says Mark
Delivering his welcome address, the ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, urged party members to reinforce unity and internal democracy in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
Mr Mark described the gathering as timely, occurring at a pivotal juncture in Nigeria’s political and democratic evolution. He expressed gratitude for the preservation of party members and commended leaders and supporters for their dedication, sacrifices, and belief in the ADC’s principles.
According to the former Senate President, the party’s continued growth stems from members’ unwavering commitment to advancing leadership rooted in integrity, competence, justice, and service.
He acknowledged that Nigeria is grappling with severe security and economic challenges requiring urgent intervention from governments and stakeholders across the federation.
“Insecurity continues to threaten lives and livelihoods, with many communities displaced and farmers unable to access farmlands safely,” Mr Mark stated. He noted that businesses are struggling under harsh economic conditions, while millions of Nigerians face mounting hardship, uncertainty, and declining living standards.
“As a responsible opposition party, the ADC does not celebrate the difficulties confronting our nation or seek political advantage from the suffering of Nigerians,” he said.
The party, he affirmed, remains committed to supporting genuine efforts to restore peace, security, economic stability, and national cohesion. He called on all levels of government to intensify action against insecurity and implement policies that enhance citizens’ welfare.
Building a Credible Political Institution
Mr Mark stressed that the NEC meeting was also designed to strengthen internal democratic processes and prepare the party for future responsibilities. He emphasised that the NEC, as the highest policy-making organ outside the national convention, must uphold fairness and transparency.
He urged members to build a political institution that inspires public confidence through internal democracy, discipline, participation, and loyalty.
“The ADC must remain an inclusive platform for Nigerians seeking credible leadership and genuine democratic alternatives in the political landscape,” he said.
As momentum builds toward the 2027 elections, Mr Mark called on members to remain united and focused on collective party objectives. “Our strength lies not in division but in unity. We must resist every tendency capable of weakening our collective resolve,” he warned.
He advised members to resolve disagreements through dialogue, mutual respect, and established party mechanisms, rather than allowing personal ambitions to prevail. Strong political parties, he noted, are built on enduring values and institutions, not personalities.
The ADC chairman urged party leaders across the federation to close ranks and work together toward building a stronger, more inclusive, and nationally competitive ADC. (NAN)
