ADC sets up committee to mend fences before 2027 elections

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has set up a national committee for reconciliation and peace. This move aims to boost unity, rebuild trust, and sort out issues before the 2027 elections.

David Mark, the National Chairman of ADC, inaugurated the committee on Wednesday in Abuja. He appointed former senator Tunde Ogbeha as chairman. Former Edo State governor Oserheimen Osunbor will serve as deputy chairman. Ahmad Ajuji from the North-east and Musa Elayo from North-central are also members, among others.

Mark said reconciliation is important. He wants every ADC member to feel valued and included. He emphasized that the ADC was built on principles of democracy, inclusion, justice, and consultation. He encouraged members to bridge political gaps.

"Our recently concluded primaries produced winners, but they also produced disappointments and grievances. These are realities we must acknowledge and address clearly today," he stated.

He noted that elections might determine the party’s candidates, but they should not define who belongs to the party. "Those who did not emerge victorious remain valuable members of the ADC. Their experience, networks, structures and commitment remain important assets," Mark added.

He urged the successful aspirants to see that winning comes with responsibility. Victory should not be used to exclude or belittle others. Mark said the main challenge for the party is to create a united platform that can earn the trust of Nigerians, rather than fighting among members.

The committee’s job, according to Mark, includes talking to aspirants, candidates, leaders, and stakeholders. They need to identify issues, address valid concerns, and rebuild trust among members.

"I expect the committee to handle this task with fairness, neutrality, maturity, sincerity, and confidentiality. Everyone must support this reconciliation process wholeheartedly," he said.

He called on all leaders, state chairmen, zonal coordinators, candidates, aspirants, and elected representatives to be ambassadors of reconciliation. They should reject any form of sabotage or revenge within the party.

Mark mentioned that the 2027 elections will need a disciplined, coordinated, and united ADC. The party cannot face the elections divided.

"The ADC is bigger than any individual, aspirant, candidate, or office. Our Handshake Philosophy requires us to reach across differences and build bridges," he said.

He encouraged aggrieved members to give reconciliation a chance. He asked candidates to extend fellowship and urged unsuccessful aspirants to stay committed. He also told leaders to set a good example.

Mark tasked committee members to build bridges, heal wounds, restore confidence, and unite members. He urged them to work together for the country and its people.

In his acceptance speech, Ogbeha, a retired brigadier general and former military governor of Akwa Ibom State, acknowledged the big task ahead of the committee. He promised to do everything possible to meet the goals.

"Our members must sacrifice and put Nigeria first, then the party and personal interests, because the 2027 election offers another opportunity for collective success," he said.

Ogbeha assured the party leadership that they would uphold their oath with honesty, transparency, diligence, and fear of God while pursuing justice, reconciliation, peace, and unity.