Abuja: The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has inaugurated a national reconciliation and peace committee to strengthen unity, rebuild trust, and resolve grievances ahead of the 2027 general elections. National Chairman of the ADC, Sen. David Mark, who performed the inauguration in Abuja, named Sen. Tunde Ogbeha as Chairman, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor as Deputy Chairman for the South-South, Dr. Ahmad Ajuji as a member from the North-East, and Musa Elayo as a member from the North-Central, among others.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mark emphasized the importance of reconciliation to ensure every ADC member feels valued and included. He noted that the ADC was founded on principles of democracy, inclusion, justice, consultation, and the “handshake philosophy,” which encourages members to build bridges across political differences. Mark acknowledged the recent primaries produced both winners and disappointments, highlighting the need to address grievances and ensure all members feel part of the party.
Mark stressed that while elections determine the party’s flag bearers, they should not dictate who belongs to the party or who remains a valuable member. He underscored the importance of unsuccessful aspirants, stating their experience, networks, structures, and commitment remain vital assets to the ADC. Successful aspirants were urged to recognize their victory comes with responsibility, not as a means to exclude or marginalize others.
The committee’s terms of reference include engaging aspirants, candidates, leaders, and stakeholders in constructive dialogue to identify grievances, address legitimate concerns, and fully rebuild trust. Mark expects the committee to operate with fairness, neutrality, maturity, sincerity, and confidentiality, calling for wholehearted support for the reconciliation process.
He appealed to leaders, state chairmen, zonal coordinators, candidates, aspirants, and elected representatives to act as ambassadors of reconciliation, rejecting internal sabotage and revenge. Mark reiterated that the 2027 general elections require a unified and disciplined ADC, as the party cannot approach the polls divided. He emphasized that the ADC is larger than any individual, aspirant, or office, urging members to embrace the Handshake Philosophy to bridge differences.
In his acceptance speech, Ogbeha acknowledged the significant responsibility before the committee and pledged to do everything possible to achieve its objectives. He called for members to prioritize Nigeria and the party over personal interests, as the 2027 election presents an opportunity for collective success. Ogbeha assured the party leadership of the committee’s commitment to honesty, transparency, diligence, and the fear of God in pursuing justice, reconciliation, peace, and unity.