Former Senate President David Mark has said the ADC primary process demonstrated that credible internal party elections are achievable in Nigeria, pointing to the conduct of the African Democratic Congress presidential primary in which delegates voted to elect the party’s presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The ADC primary process was conducted by the African Democratic Congress as part of its statutory responsibility to nominate candidates for the 2027 presidential election.

The exercise drew attention within political circles due to the participation of prominent national political figures and the structured nature of delegate-based voting used in selecting the party’s flag bearer. Party primaries in Nigeria are guided by electoral laws and party constitutions, requiring accredited delegates to participate in voting under supervised arrangements, followed by collation and announcement of results.

Speaking on the outcome, David Mark stated that the ADC primary process was conducted in a manner that reflected order, structure, and adherence to internal party electoral guidelines. He noted that delegates were accredited and participated in voting procedures that were consistent with established party rules governing the presidential primary.

Mark explained that the ADC primary process involved transparent collation of votes, which led to the emergence of the party’s presidential candidate after a competitive contest among aspirants. He said the conduct of the exercise showed that when political parties respect internal rules, elections can be managed in a way that reflects democratic principles.

The former Senate President further stated that the ADC primary process demonstrated that internal democracy remains a key requirement for building trust within political parties and improving the quality of leadership selection. He emphasised that structured primaries help reduce post-election disputes by ensuring that candidates emerge through recognised and transparent procedures.

The ADC primary process has been highlighted as an example of how internal party elections can contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s broader democratic system.

Political observers note that credible primaries can improve party cohesion, reduce litigation after nominations, and enhance voter confidence in candidates during general elections. The development also reinforces ongoing national conversations about improving transparency and accountability within political party structures.