The National Executive Committee of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has approved the results of its recently conducted presidential and governorship primaries.

The approval was granted at the party’s 101st NEC meeting held on Saturday in Abuja, where members reviewed reports from various party organs.

The committee also approved the results of the state Houses of Assembly and National Assembly primaries, except those with pending appeals as of May 29.

The committee further excluded constituencies where primary elections had not yet concluded, pending completion of the exercise.

The NEC approved extending the tenure of the National Working Committee (NWC) by 12 months beyond the expiration of its current mandate.

Members also approved the constitution of caretaker committees at the zonal, state, local government, and ward levels for a period of 12 months.

In addition, the committee recognised Malam Nasir El-Rufai as a prisoner of conscience and called for his immediate release from detention.

In his welcome address, the party’s National Chairman, Senator David Mark, urged members to strengthen unity and internal democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.

Mr Mark described the gathering as significant, noting that it came at a critical stage in Nigeria’s political and democratic development.

He thanked God for preserving party members and commended leaders and supporters for their commitment, sacrifices, and faith in the ADC’s ideals.

According to him, the party continues to grow because members remain dedicated to promoting leadership founded on integrity, competence, justice, and service.

Mr Mark said Nigeria currently faced serious security and economic challenges that required urgent attention from governments and other stakeholders across the federation.

He noted that insecurity continued to threaten lives and livelihoods, while many communities remained displaced, and farmers struggled to access farmlands safely.

The former Senate president said businesses were operating under difficult economic conditions, while millions of Nigerians faced hardship, uncertainty, and declining living standards.

“As a responsible opposition party, the ADC does not celebrate the difficulties confronting our nation or seek political advantage from the suffering of Nigerians,” he said.

Mr Mark said the party remained committed to supporting sincere efforts to restore peace, security, economic stability, and national cohesion nationwide.

He urged governments at all levels to intensify efforts to decisively address insecurity and implement policies that improve citizens’ welfare.

The ADC chairman said the NEC meeting was also intended to strengthen internal democratic processes and prepare the party for future responsibilities.

According to him, the NEC remains the party’s highest policy-making organ outside the national convention and must uphold fairness and transparency.

He stressed the need to build a political institution that inspired public confidence through internal democracy, discipline, participation, and loyalty among members.

Mr Mark said the ADC must remain an inclusive platform for Nigerians seeking credible leadership and genuine democratic alternatives in the political landscape.

“As preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, I urged members to remain united and focused on achieving collective party objectives.

“Our strength lies not in division but in unity. We must resist every tendency capable of weakening our collective resolve,” he added.

He advised members to resolve disagreements through dialogue, mutual respect, and established party mechanisms rather than allowing personal ambitions to prevail.

Mr Mark said strong political parties were built on enduring values and institutions rather than personalities, urging members to recommit themselves accordingly.

He called on party leaders across the federation to close ranks and work together toward building a stronger, more inclusive, and nationally competitive ADC.

 (NAN)