2027: ADC sets 4 conditions for candidates, begins nationwide registration
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has set four conditions for aspirants seeking to contest under its platform in 2027.
It has also set up a committee for the nationwide registration of members.
The ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark reeled out the conditions during the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.
He said that the ADC would only field candidates who meet the four pillar standard of character, competence, courage, and discipline.
Four key figures are likely to slug it out for the party’s presidential ticket. They are former president Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra Governor Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.
Mark however said the party will field only credible and viable candidates who meet its four-pillar standard.
“Nigerians will accept nothing less. Our mission goes beyond winning elections; it is to build a leadership model that restores trust, reforms governance, and leaves a legacy that future generations will be proud of. To do this, we will build a party that outlives us all.”
According to him, while other parties revolve around individuals, the ADC will revolve around rules, policies, programmes, people, and results.
“We will insist on team spirit, collaboration, and internal democracy. The supremacy we seek is the supremacy of our constitution and institutions-over everything: personality, improvisation, and idiosyncrasy.
“Our mission is not only to attain power in 2027; it is to leave a legacy which the future generations will be proud to inherit. We are in a marathon we must complete-and win. Failure is not an option,” he said.
The ADC national chairman said the party must depart from the culture of self-serving politics that has long defined Nigeria’s leadership.
“We begin with a conviction that Nigeria can, and will, work for everyone-and with a commitment to build a party bigger than any personality, stronger than any moment and positively different from any party in the annals of our country,” he said.
Mark said the party’s broader objectives include strengthening institutional independence, promoting transparency, and implementing economic reforms that translate into real improvements in citizens’ lives.
He took a jibe at the government of President Bola Tinubu, saying “Nigerians are tired of slogans and statistics that do not improve their lives”.
The ADC National Chairman said Nigerians should judge the party by what they feel.
“Judge us by what Nigerians feel in their daily lives—more reliable power, visible projects, and decent work.”
To the NWC, Mark said they have an urgent job to do, which include the review of the party’s constitution to reflect the new order, develop a code of ethics, financing rules, and compliance systems.
“We must establish functional ward, local government, and state structures with trained organizers, digital registers, and service desks.”
He said that their target should be to model a new attitude to leadership across every sphere – public, private, and civic. “Let it be said of the ADC that we kept faith with the people, that we were steady under pressure, honest in our dealings, and relentless in delivery. We do not seek power for its own sake; we seek it to build a legacy worthy of our children.”
Mark pledged that an ADC-led government would respect the statutory separation of powers and ensure judicial and legislative independence.
“The judiciary must again be a refuge for every citizen. We will support a merit-based, efficient, and trusted bench—one that prioritises justice over technicalities,” he stated.
The National Chairman said the ADC would pursue a foreign policy that is pan-African and pragmatic, focused on regional integration, diaspora investment, and trade expansion within Africa to promote stability and shared prosperity.
The Syndicate reports that the NWC has set up several committees, including Membership Registration, Constitution Review, Policy Advocacy, and Party Rebranding.
