ABUJA, NIGERIA — The African Democratic Congress has inaugurated a National Reconciliation and Peace Committee to address grievances arising from its recent primaries, heal internal divisions, and strengthen party unity ahead of the 2027 general elections .
Inaugurating the committee in Abuja on Wednesday, the National Chairman of the party, Senator David Mark, acknowledged that while the recently concluded primaries produced winners, they also generated disappointments and grievances among some aspirants and their supporters . He stressed that an election may determine who carries the party flag, but it must never determine who belongs to the ADC .
Mark urged successful aspirants to see their victories as a responsibility and not an opportunity to sideline their former opponents, emphasising that unsuccessful candidates remained valuable assets to the party due to their experience, networks, structures, and commitment . He maintained that the ADC’s primary challenge was not internal competition but the need to build a united and disciplined political platform capable of winning the confidence of Nigerians in 2027 .
“There must be no internal sabotage. No politics of revenge. No permanent winners and no permanent losers. We are one political family,” Mark declared . He warned that the ADC could not afford to approach the 2027 general elections as a divided house, urging members to respect democratic processes and settle disagreements without undermining the party .
The committee was established in accordance with Article 9.1 of the ADC Constitution, with a mandate that includes engaging aspirants, candidates, party leaders, and stakeholders in constructive dialogue to identify grievances, address legitimate concerns, and rebuild trust . It is also expected to promote responsible communication, discourage inflammatory statements and unnecessary litigation, and recommend practical measures for integrating unsuccessful aspirants and their supporters into the party’s structures . The committee has been directed to establish zonal sub-committees for continuous engagement, monitoring, and follow-up .
Responding on behalf of the committee, its Chairman, Senator Tunde Ogbeha, acknowledged that injuries had been caused by the primaries and other political processes across the states but expressed confidence that the issues could be resolved . He assured the party leadership that the committee would pursue justice, transparency, and fairness in its engagements with members, placing the interests of Nigeria and the ADC above individual ambitions .
“An election may determine who carries the flag, but it must never determine who belongs to the Party,” Mark added, urging aggrieved members to embrace reconciliation, successful candidates to extend a hand of fellowship, and unsuccessful aspirants to remain committed to the party’s broader vision .
The committee is headed by Senator Tunde Ogbeha, with Senator Oserheimen Osunbor as Deputy Chairman . Other members include Dr Ahmad Ajuji, Barrister Musa Elayo, Senator Andrew Uchendu, Dr Bon Unachukwu, Mr Kunle Ige, Hon. Hajia Rabi Sule, and Hon. Abubakar Kanike, with Peter Oyewale, Esq., serving as Secretary . Six zonal legal advisers will also collaborate with the committee across the respective zones .
The reconciliation initiative comes as the ADC continues to position itself as a key opposition platform ahead of the 2027 elections, following a period of political realignment that saw the party emerge as a focal point for opposition figures seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress. With the committee now inaugurated, the party’s ability to resolve internal disputes and present a united front will be critical to its electoral prospects.
