David Mark speech at ADC Presidential primaries

 By Inegbagha Majesty

SPEECH BY SENATOR DAVID MARK, GCON, CHAIRMAN OF THE AFRICAN DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS (ADC), AT THE OFFICIAL COLLATION AND DECLARATION EVENT OF THE PARTY’S PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARIES.

Senator David Mark 

PROTOCOLS:

Distinguished leaders and stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress, members of the National Working Committee, members of the National Executive Committee, coalition leaders, elected officials, youth groups, civil society organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, INEC officials, the media, our esteemed aspirants, party faithful gathered here at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Nigerians joining us from across the 36 states and the  Federal Capital Territory, and Nigerians in diaspora—good evening, and welcome to this historic official collation and declaration event of the ADC Presidential Primaries. 

Today is not just about announcing a presidential candidate.

Today is also about proving a point to Nigeria and to Nigerians. 

It is about proving that democracy can still work. Proving that political competition does not have to become political warfare. That a party can organize itself around principles instead of personalities. And that in a season of deep national anxiety, a bright future is still possible.

That is why this gathering matters. And that is why history will remember what we have done here today.

Let me begin by thanking every member of the African Democratic Congress for your steadfastness, your patience, your sacrifices, your understanding, and your faith in this party, especially in the face of daunting challenges. 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 unite

Let me also recognize and appreciate the members of the Presidential Screening Committee and the Presidential Primary Election Committee for their patriotism, diligence, and professionalism throughout this process. In the face of enormous pressure, logistical complexity, and intense national attention, they carried out their responsibilities with courage, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to fairness and transparency. Their work has strengthened the credibility of this exercise and reinforced the confidence of our members and the Nigerian people in the integrity of the African Democratic Congress. On behalf of the leadership and the entire membership of our party, I thank them for their sacrifice and service to our party and to democracy.

Now, I also want to specially commend our three distinguished aspirants: former Vice-President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, GCON, former Governor of Rivers State and immediate past Minister of Transportation, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, CON, and the former Chairman of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group and former Chairman of NNDC, Mr. Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, OON. It is important to mention, that we are the only political party to have 3 strong aspirants contest for the presidential ticket. This alone makes the ADC unique in its deep commitment to democracy, and democratic practices. 

This also demonstrates the loyalty of these three gentlemen to our party, their courage to compete for the great opportunity to serve, and their abiding faith in democracy. 

.By subjecting themselves to this process, they did not merely contest an election. They strengthened democracy. And despite efforts in some quarters to create uncertainty and tension, they remained committed to this process and to the ideals of this party. And for that, the ADC owes them a debt of gratitude.