The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has outlined the key standards aspirants must meet to contest on its platform in the 2027 general elections, as the party intensifies efforts to build a formidable opposition coalition.
Speaking at the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) meeting on Tuesday in Abuja, ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, said only aspirants who meet the party’s “four-pillar standard” — character, competence, courage, and discipline — will be cleared to contest under its banner.
“Our mission goes beyond winning elections,” Mark said. “It is to build a leadership model that restores trust, reforms governance, and leaves a legacy future generations will be proud of.
“We will field only credible candidates who meet our four-pillar standard. Nigerians will accept nothing less.”
He emphasised that the ADC seeks to move away from personality-driven politics, saying the party will revolve around “rules, policies, programmes, people, and results” rather than individual ambitions.
Mark further stated that an ADC-led government would prioritise judicial and legislative independence, strengthen institutions, promote transparency, and pursue economic reforms that deliver real improvements in citizens’ lives.
“Nigerians are tired of slogans and statistics that do not change their reality,” he said.
On foreign policy, he said the ADC would adopt a “Pan-African and pragmatic” approach centred on regional integration, diaspora investment, and intra-African trade.
The ADC is at the centre of an evolving opposition coalition that includes prominent figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, and former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal.
Atiku, who has championed the coalition initiative since his 2023 defeat under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is widely believed to be eyeing another presidential run.
Party insiders also say former President Goodluck Jonathan remains a potential consensus candidate, following his recent private meeting with Mark in Abuja.
Although Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai, and Tambuwal have aligned themselves with the ADC-led coalition, they are yet to formally register as members.
The ADC had earlier granted them a waiver to remain in their legacy parties during the August by-elections, but weeks after the polls, their defections are still pending and fueling speculation about the coalition’s future direction.
Atiku’s spokesman, Paul Ibe, however, told Trust TV that the former vice president’s alignment with the ADC was “irreversible,” noting that he and other leaders have been actively participating in ADC meetings.
During Tuesday’s meeting, the NWC approved the establishment of several committees to strengthen the party ahead of 2027, including the Membership Registration Committee, Constitution Review Committee, Policy Advocacy Committee, and Party Rebranding Committee.
According to ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the committees will drive a nationwide membership drive, review the party’s constitution, and translate the coalition into a “functional political movement” in preparation for congresses and primaries.
He added that the membership registration exercise aims to formalise the participation of opposition leaders within the coalition and attract new members nationwide.
Mark concluded by urging party members to model a new political culture driven by integrity and service. “We do not seek power for its own sake,” he said.
“We seek it to build a legacy worthy of our children — one based on honesty, resilience, and results.”
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