ADC seeks to reconcile members angered by primaries ahead of 2027 election

The African Democratic Congress is trying to heal internal divisions before Nigeria’s 2027 general election, after its primaries produced both winners and disgruntled members. The party inaugurated a national reconciliation and peace committee in Abuja on Wednesday.

National Chairman David Mark appointed former senator Tunde Ogbeha as chairman. Former Edo State governor Oserheimen Osunbor became deputy chairman, alongside Ahmad Ajuji, Musa Elayo and other members.

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Our recently concluded primaries produced winners, but they also produced disappointments and grievances. These are realities we must acknowledge and address clearly today.

Mark said the party had to acknowledge the disappointment created by the primaries rather than allow it to damage the organisation. “Our recently concluded primaries produced winners, but they also produced disappointments and grievances. These are realities we must acknowledge and address clearly today,” he said.

He stressed that losing a primary should not end a member’s role in the party. “Those who did not emerge victorious remain valuable members of the ADC. Their experience, networks, structures and commitment remain important assets,” Mark said.

The committee will engage aspirants, candidates, leaders and stakeholders in dialogue, identify grievances, address legitimate concerns and rebuild trust. Mark instructed its members to act with fairness, neutrality, maturity, sincerity and confidentiality.

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Those who did not emerge victorious remain valuable members of the ADC. Their experience, networks, structures and commitment remain important assets.

He also warned successful aspirants that victory carried responsibilities. It was not, he said, a licence to exclude, humiliate or marginalize colleagues. Mark urged party leaders, state chairmen, zonal coordinators, candidates and elected representatives to reject revenge and internal sabotage.

“The ADC is bigger than any individual, aspirant, candidate or office. Our Handshake Philosophy requires us to reach across differences and build bridges,” he said. He called for a disciplined and united party, saying the ADC could not approach the 2027 election divided.

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The ADC is bigger than any individual, aspirant, candidate or office. Our Handshake Philosophy requires us to reach across differences and build bridges.