The African Democratic Congress has urged its presidential aspirants, party leaders, delegates and members nationwide to embrace unity, discipline and democratic values ahead of its presidential primaries scheduled for Monday.
The party said the exercise represents a critical moment not only for the ADC but also for Nigerians seeking what it described as a credible political alternative ahead of the next general elections.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the conduct of stakeholders before, during and after the primaries would shape public perception of the party’s democratic credentials and leadership culture.
“The ADC remains proud to stand today as the only truly democratic party in Nigeria, because it is the only political party whose choice of Presidential candidate is determined through open primaries,” the statement said.
The opposition party stressed the need for all contestants and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the process, insisting that the primaries must reflect the principles the ADC claims to represent.
“We therefore urge all aspirants, their supporters, delegates, and party faithful to conduct themselves peacefully, responsibly, and with dignity throughout the process. This election must reflect the values we claim to represent as a party committed to transparency, internal democracy, national unity, and the rule of law,” Abdullahi stated.
The statement comes amid heightened political activities and early alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with several political parties already repositioning and consulting across the country.
The ADC, which has continued efforts to expand its national presence following the 2023 elections, is seeking to present itself as a viable alternative to the country’s dominant political parties.
Abdullahi acknowledged that disagreements and competition were inevitable in any democratic contest but warned party members against allowing personal ambitions to undermine the party’s broader objective.
He said the focus should remain on what he described as the collective mission of rebuilding public trust and providing competent leadership for Nigerians.
“At the end of this exercise, there will be no winners or losers within the ADC family. The ultimate objective is to emerge stronger, more united, and fully prepared to offer Nigerians the competent and credible leadership they deserve,” he said.
The party also assured members that adequate arrangements had been made to guarantee a transparent and credible primary election process.
“History will judge us, not merely by who emerges as a candidate, but by how we conduct ourselves in this defining moment. We call on every member of our great party to rise to the occasion,” the statement concluded.
Monday’s primaries are expected to attract attention from political observers as the ADC begins the process of selecting its standard-bearer for the next presidential election.
