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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has moved to consolidate its internal structures by ratifying recently conducted primaries, extending the tenure of its National Working Committee (NWC) and setting up caretaker committees across party organs nationwide, as political parties intensify preparations ahead of the 2027 general election.
The resolutions emerged at the conclusion of the 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party held on Saturday.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the NEC approved the outcomes of primaries conducted for State Houses of Assembly, National Assembly, governorship and presidential elections, with the exception of states and constituencies where appeals are still pending as of May 29, 2026, as well as contests yet to be concluded.
The committee also endorsed the extension of the tenure of the National Working Committee (NWC) for another 12 months following the expiration of its current mandate.
In a related decision aimed at strengthening party administration across the federation, the NEC approved the constitution of caretaker committees at zonal, state, local government and ward levels for a period of one year.
The party additionally called for the release of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai, describing him as a “prisoner of conscience.”
Addressing party leaders and stakeholders on the sidelines of the meeting, National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, said the country was passing through difficult times marked by insecurity, economic hardship and social uncertainty.
According to him, many communities across the country have continued to suffer displacement due to insecurity, while farmers and businesses struggle to operate under difficult conditions.
“Nigeria today faces profound challenges. Insecurity continues to threaten lives and livelihoods across many parts of our country. Communities are displaced, farmers are unable to cultivate their lands freely, businesses struggle under difficult economic conditions, and millions of families face hardship and uncertainty,” he said.
Mark also expressed concern over the worsening economic realities confronting ordinary Nigerians, citing rising living costs, unemployment and declining purchasing power.
“Equally troubling is the growing economic burden on ordinary Nigerians. Rising cost of living, unemployment, declining purchasing power and social discontent demand urgent and sincere attention from those entrusted with governance,” he stated.
The former Senate President said the ADC, as an opposition platform, would continue to support genuine efforts aimed at addressing the nation’s challenges rather than exploiting the suffering of citizens for political advantage.
“As a responsible opposition party, the ADC does not celebrate the difficulties confronting our nation, nor do we seek political advantage from the pain of our people. Rather, we stand firmly in support of every sincere effort aimed at restoring peace, security, economic stability and national cohesion,” he added.
He called on governments at all levels to intensify efforts toward tackling insecurity and implementing people-oriented policies capable of easing the burden on citizens.
Beyond national issues, Mark urged members of the party to remain focused on strengthening internal democratic processes and preserving party unity ahead of future elections.
“Our gathering today is not merely to review national challenges. It is also to strengthen our internal democratic processes and prepare our party for the responsibilities ahead,” he said.
He reminded members that the NEC remains the highest policy-making organ of the party outside its convention and stressed the need for fairness, transparency and discipline in decision-making.
“The National Executive Committee remains the highest policy-making organ of our party outside convention. Its decisions must therefore reflect wisdom, fairness, transparency and the collective interest of our party,” Mark noted.
The ADC chairman further said the party must continue to build confidence among Nigerians by upholding internal democracy and rewarding loyalty and participation.
“We must continue to build an institution that inspires confidence among Nigerians — a party that respects internal democracy, rewards loyalty, encourages participation and upholds discipline,” he stated.
As preparations gather momentum for the 2027 polls, Mark warned against divisions capable of weakening the party’s collective strength.
“Our strength lies not in division but in unity. We must resist every tendency capable of weakening our collective resolve. Personal ambition must never supersede party interest,” he declared.
He also advised party members to resolve disagreements through dialogue and established internal mechanisms.
“Internal disagreements, where they exist, should be resolved through dialogue, mutual respect and established party mechanisms,” he added.
Calling for renewed commitment from party leaders and members nationwide, Mark urged stakeholders to expand the party’s grassroots presence and engage Nigerians with practical policy alternatives.
“I therefore call on all party leaders and members across the federation to close ranks and recommit themselves to the shared vision of building a stronger and more inclusive ADC,” he said.
He added: “Let us continue to engage our people, expand our membership base, empower our grassroots structures and articulate practical solutions to the problems confronting Nigerians.”
Mark acknowledged the complaints and petitions arising from the party’s primaries in several states and constituencies, assuring members that the National Working Committee would review recommendations submitted by appeal panels.
“I am aware of the numerous complaints, concerns and petitions arising from our party primaries across various states and constituencies. These issues are neither unusual in democratic contests nor beyond resolution within the framework of our party constitution and established procedures,” he said.
He further assured party members that the leadership would take decisions guided by fairness, justice and party unity.
“I wish to assure all members that the National Working Committee will critically review the recommendations submitted by the various appeal committees and take informed, fair and responsible decisions in the overall interest of justice, equity and party unity,” Mark stated.
The ADC chairman stressed that the party’s goal was not merely to produce candidates, but to field credible and electable aspirants capable of winning elections and delivering good governance.
“Our objective is clear. We must present candidates who are not only committed to the ideals of the ADC but who also possess the capacity, credibility and electoral strength to win elections and effectively serve the Nigerian people,” he said.
“Our goal is not merely to produce flagbearers, but to field candidates capable of securing victory and advancing the vision of our great party.”
He urged party faithful to approach emerging disputes with patience and confidence in the party’s institutions.
“Let us therefore approach these matters with maturity, patience and faith in the institutions of our party,” he concluded.
Mark described the NEC meeting as coming at a critical moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey, insisting that the period demands “sober reflection, honest evaluation and purposeful action.”
