By SCM Staff Writer
ABUJA — Ahead of its highly anticipated presidential primaries scheduled for Monday, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a passionate appeal to its presidential aspirants, party stalwarts, and delegates nationwide.
The party is urging all stakeholders to embody the highest principles of discipline, democratic decorum, and absolute unity as they enter a crucial phase of the political calendar.
The directive was contained in an official statement issued on Sunday in the nation’s capital, Abuja, by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.
As opposition parties look to consolidate their positions ahead of the general elections, the ADC has positioned its upcoming convention as a benchmark event.
Abdullahi described the forthcoming primaries as a defining democratic milestone, emphasizing that the exercise holds weight not only for the internal growth of the party, but for the millions of Nigerians currently searching for a credible and viable political alternative to the dominant parties.
The ADC leadership boldly asserted its unique positioning within the current Nigerian political landscape, claiming a monopoly on genuine grassroots participation.
“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,” Abdullahi noted in the statement.
According to the party, this open system ensures that the power to choose a flagbearer rests squarely in the hands of the delegates, rather than being dictated by backroom zoning agreements or influential party godfathers.
The party’s leadership pointed out that the behavioral conduct of all participants—before, during, and after Monday’s voting process—will serve as a direct reflection of the party’s governance philosophy.
The ADC intends to use the conduct of this primary to send a powerful message to the Nigerian electorate regarding the distinct leadership culture it hopes to introduce to the mainstream of national governance.
“We therefore urge all aspirants, their supporters, delegates, and party faithful to conduct themselves peacefully, responsibly, and with dignity throughout the process,” Abdullahi stated.
“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.”
Acknowledging that political contests of this magnitude naturally breed intense rivalries, conflicting interests, and vigorous debate, the national publicity secretary reminded members that internal friction should not overshadow the party’s ultimate objective.
He insisted that the broader national mission of rescuing the country from socio-economic challenges and restoring public faith in political leadership must take precedence over individual political ambitions.
In an effort to douse pre-election tensions among the various camps supporting different aspirants, the ADC reassured its members that the post-primary phase would focus heavily on reconciliation and collective progress.
“At the end of this exercise, there will be no winners or losers within the ADC family,” the statement reads, “The ultimate objective is to emerge stronger, more united, and fully prepared to offer Nigerians the competent and credible leadership they deserve.”
Addressing logistical concerns and lingering anxieties over the integrity of the voting process, the national working committee reassured all aspirants that comprehensive administrative and security measures have been established.
The party stated that the machinery in place guarantees a free, fair, completely transparent, and credible primary election that can withstand public scrutiny.
Concluding the press briefing, the party reminded its members of their shared historical responsibility.
“History will judge us, not merely by who emerges as 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,” Abdullahi concluded.
With delegates already converging on the designated venues, political analysts are watching closely to see if the ADC can translate its rhetoric of superior internal democracy into a seamless, peaceful convention that successfully disrupts the status quo.
