David Mark Inaugurates ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Calls for Issue-Based 2027 Campaign

 

 

By Atlantic Reports

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has inaugurated the party's Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), urging its members to build nationwide support ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja on Friday, October 9, 2026, Mark said the party must focus on the economic and security challenges confronting Nigerians while presenting clear proposals for addressing them.

He described the forthcoming elections as an opportunity for citizens to assess competing visions for the country's future, insisting that the ADC's campaign should extend beyond political rallies and electoral promises.

According to Mark, the party must engage Nigerians across geographical, religious and social divisions, listen to their concerns and explain how its proposed policies would improve their lives.

“Nigerians already know their problems. We do not need to lecture them about their sufferings. We must listen to them and tell them clearly how we intend to solve the problems,” he said.

ADC Targets Nationwide Grassroots Engagement

Mark directed members of the campaign council to establish a presence across Nigeria's states, local government areas, wards and communities.

He identified traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, young people, workers, farmers, professionals, traders, artisans, students and persons with disabilities as groups the party should engage.

The ADC chairman cautioned against overlooking smaller communities or assuming that any group would automatically support the party.

His remarks placed emphasis on grassroots participation and direct engagement with voters, particularly those whose concerns may receive limited attention during national political campaigns.

However, the effectiveness of such engagement will depend on whether the party develops practical proposals that respond to the different needs of communities.

For rural residents, these may include agricultural productivity, access to markets, roads, healthcare and security.

Urban households may place greater emphasis on employment, transportation costs, electricity supply and the rising cost of essential goods.

Cost of Living, Insecurity and Jobs to Shape Campaign

Mark identified inflation, poverty, unemployment, insecurity, education, healthcare and infrastructure as central issues the ADC intends to address.

He argued that Nigerians needed more than descriptions of their difficulties and should expect political parties to present credible solutions.

The concerns he highlighted reflect some of the major policy questions likely to shape public debate ahead of the elections.

High food and transportation costs affect household purchasing power, while insecurity can disrupt farming, commerce, schooling and movement.

Similarly, unemployment and limited economic opportunities continue to influence the prospects of young Nigerians seeking stable livelihoods.

Mark said the ADC's campaign would seek to connect these everyday concerns with its proposals for governance.

The party's specific policy commitments, implementation timelines and financing arrangements were not detailed in the account of the inauguration.

Those details will be important in assessing how its proposals differ from those of other political parties.

Atiku, Amaechi Lead Presidential Ticket

The ADC is fielding former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate, with former Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi as his running mate.

The party announced the pairing in June and subsequently confirmed the submission of the candidates' particulars to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

 

At the inauguration, Mark described the ticket as one combining experience, administrative capacity and national reach.

He urged both candidates to present themselves as representatives of the entire country rather than particular regions, religious communities or ethnic groups.

The ADC chairman also called for political restraint, advising the candidates to respond to provocation without hostility.

His remarks reflected the party's stated intention to pursue peaceful political competition while seeking support across Nigeria's diverse electorate.

Mark Demands Transparent, Peaceful Elections

Mark reaffirmed the ADC's commitment to electoral integrity and called on INEC and other institutions responsible for administering the elections to remain impartial, transparent and professional.

He said eligible Nigerians must be able to exercise their voting rights freely and safely, without intimidation.

The former Senate President also rejected violence, hate speech and what he described as politics of revenge.

His comments highlight the importance of credible election administration, security for voters and candidates, and transparent handling of electoral processes.

While political parties have a responsibility to conduct peaceful campaigns, the credibility of the 2027 elections will also depend on election officials, security agencies and other relevant institutions fulfilling their statutory obligations.

Ibrahim-Imam Calls for Party Unity

In his acceptance speech, Chairman of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, urged members to work together in coordinating the party's nationwide campaign.

He encouraged Nigerians to obtain their voter cards and participate peacefully in the electoral process.

Ibrahim-Imam said the campaign would address rising food prices, transportation costs, electricity expenses, education and healthcare.

He also emphasised policies aimed at improving living standards.

The council's inauguration at the Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Centre in Abuja formally established the party's presidential campaign structure ahead of the elections.

 

Voters Await Concrete Policy Commitments

The inauguration signals a new phase in the ADC's preparations for the 2027 general elections, with its campaign council now responsible for coordinating political engagement and communicating the party's proposals.

However, the central test of the campaign will be the substance of its commitments.

For households facing high living costs, voters will need to know how proposed economic policies would affect food prices, wages, employment and access to essential services.

Communities experiencing insecurity will also be looking for specific proposals on public safety, policing and the protection of livelihoods.

Education and healthcare commitments will require credible funding arrangements, implementation plans and measurable targets.

These questions apply equally to other political parties seeking public office.

As the election approaches, Nigerians will have the opportunity to examine competing policy proposals, question candidates and assess their records before making their choices.

For the ADC, the newly inaugurated council provides an organisational platform for that contest. Whether its campaign commitments resonate with voters will become clearer as the party presents its programmes and engages communities nationwide.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.