Former Senate President David Mark has said that the ADC primary process demonstrates that democracy can function effectively in Nigeria when political parties adhere to transparent and inclusive procedures. He made the remark while commenting on the conduct of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) primary exercise ahead of upcoming elections.
Mark stated that the ADC primary process reflected a level of internal party discipline and openness that should be encouraged across Nigeria’s political landscape. He noted that credible party primaries remain a critical foundation for strengthening democratic governance and public trust in electoral outcomes.
According to him, the credibility of internal party elections plays a significant role in shaping the quality of leadership that emerges during general elections. He said the ADC primary process showed that when rules are followed and members are allowed to participate freely, political competition can be more transparent and less contentious.
The former Senate President emphasized that democratic consolidation begins within political parties, where candidates are selected to represent the people at various levels of government. He added that improving internal party systems such as the ADC primary process would help reduce post-election disputes and strengthen national cohesion.
Mark further noted that the success of party primaries depends on adherence to guidelines, fairness in delegate or member participation, and respect for outcomes by all stakeholders. He said these principles were evident in the ADC primary process, which he described as orderly and inclusive based on available accounts.
He stressed that political parties must continue to refine their nomination procedures to ensure that credible candidates emerge through legitimate and widely accepted processes. The ADC primary process, according to him, provides an example of how structured internal democracy can improve political engagement.
Observers have long argued that weak internal democracy within political parties contributes to electoral disputes and governance challenges in Nigeria. The remarks attributed to Mark highlight ongoing discussions about improving transparency and accountability in candidate selection processes across political platforms.
He also reiterated that democracy is strengthened when political actors commit to fairness, rule-based engagement, and respect for collective decisions made through established party mechanisms. The ADC primary process was cited as an instance where such principles were observed. Political analysts say comments such as these reflect broader efforts to encourage reforms within party structures, particularly as Nigeria continues to face challenges related to party cohesion and electoral credibility.
