The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Senator David Mark, has urged the party’s governorship candidates to shun hate speech, ethnic and religious profiling, violence and promises they cannot fulfil if elected.
Mark made the call on Monday during a consultation meeting with the party’s governorship candidates at the ADC national headquarters in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the meeting was part of efforts to prepare the candidates for the forthcoming elections and ensure that the party’s campaign reflects its stated commitment to ethical leadership.
Mark warned the candidates against making unrealistic promises during their campaigns, stressing that unfulfilled commitments could damage the credibility and integrity of the ADC.
He urged them to conduct their campaigns in a manner consistent with the kind of country they intend to build if elected into office.
“Our campaign must reflect the kind of country we would like to build. Avoid hate speech, ethnic or religious profiling and violence,” Mark said.
The former Senate President also cautioned the candidates against adopting the approach of conventional political parties, insisting that the ADC would not compromise its ethical standards for electoral advantage.
“Unlike other political parties, ADC does not believe that all is fair in politics,” he stated.
Mark further directed the candidates to familiarise themselves with the party’s governance and ethical principles as contained in the ADC’s Orange Book and manifesto.
He said adherence to the party’s principles would be essential to maintaining public confidence and ensuring that the candidates represented the values for which the ADC was established.
The candidates, who attended the consultation meeting, took turns to express appreciation to the party leadership for providing them with the platform to contest the forthcoming elections.
They also expressed support for the direction of the party’s campaign and its focus on addressing the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians.
According to the candidates, the ADC’s presidential candidate has prioritised reducing the cost of living, particularly through policies aimed at bringing down the price of petrol.
They expressed support for the proposal to restore fuel subsidy as part of measures to reduce the financial burden of high petrol prices on Nigerians.
The candidates subsequently pledged their loyalty to the ADC and promised to work towards securing victory in their respective elections.
The meeting comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with candidates expected to begin mobilising voters and presenting their policy positions ahead of the polls.
Mark’s appeal places emphasis on issue-based campaigning and ethical political conduct, particularly at a time when political rhetoric, ethnic sentiments and campaign promises are expected to feature prominently in the electoral contest.
The ADC leadership has continued to position the party as an alternative political platform, with its officials urging candidates to distinguish themselves from what they describe as the shortcomings of established political parties.
Mark’s warning also underscores the party’s stated commitment to avoiding inflammatory rhetoric and political violence during the electioneering period.
The ADC chairman urged the governorship candidates to ensure that their campaigns communicate realistic solutions to the challenges confronting their respective states rather than relying on promises that may prove impossible to fulfil.
The candidates, in response, reaffirmed their commitment to the party and pledged to work towards winning their respective governorship contests while upholding the principles of the ADC.
With preparations for the 2027 elections gathering momentum, the party is expected to intensify consultations with its candidates and stakeholders as it seeks to expand its political presence across the country.