2027: Mark warns ADC against internal division, says unity is party’s biggest test

By Jude Opara

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, (ADC), David Mark, has identified internal unity as the opposition party’s biggest test ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Mark, a former Senate President, said the party must move quickly to reconcile members who were dissatisfied with the outcome of its recently concluded primaries if it hopes to build a strong platform capable of challenging its opponents in 2027.

Speaking at a press conference, Mark acknowledged that while the primaries produced successful candidates, they also left some members disappointed and aggrieved.

He stressed that losing a primary should not translate into losing one’s place or relevance within the party.

“An election may determine who carries the flag, but it must never determine who belongs to the party,” Mark said.

According to him, unsuccessful aspirants remain valuable to the ADC because of their experience, resources, commitment and political structures.

He also cautioned those who emerged victorious against treating their victories as a license to sideline or humiliate their former opponents.

“Those who emerge victorious must recognize that victory comes with responsibility. It’s not a license to exclude, humiliate or marginalise others,” he said.

Mark argued that the ADC’s immediate challenge was not the members who contested against the eventual winners, but the task of transforming the party into a united political force capable of winning the confidence of Nigerians.

“Our real challenge is to build a united political platform capable of winning the confidence of Nigerians in 2027,” he said.

He added that the party’s National Working Committee had established a committee in accordance with the ADC constitution to address issues arising from the primaries and strengthen unity within the party.