ADC Chairman Urges Governorship Candidates to Reject Hate Speech, Empty Promises

National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Sen. David Mark, has urged the party’s governorship candidates to run issue-based campaigns and avoid hate speech, ethnic or religious profiling, political violence and promises they cannot fulfill.

Mark gave the charge Monday at a consultation meeting with the party’s governorship candidates at the ADC headquarters in Abuja, as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections.

He said campaign messaging should reflect the values the party seeks to promote and warned that unrealistic promises could undermine the credibility of both candidates and the ADC.

“Our campaign must reflect the kind of country we would like to build,” Mark said, urging candidates to avoid hate speech, ethnic and religious profiling and violence.

He also directed the candidates to familiarize themselves with the party’s Governance and Ethical Principles, contained in its Orange Book, as well as the ADC manifesto.

The meeting also addressed disagreements that emerged from the party’s governorship primaries. ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said the party would establish a National Reconciliation Committee to resolve grievances and rebuild relationships among members who contested against one another during the primaries.

Abdullahi said the committee would work across the states to strengthen unity within the party ahead of the general election.

He also said the ADC expected its candidates and supporters to respond to alleged provocation through legal and democratic channels rather than violence. The party has raised concerns over reported attacks on campaign activities and destruction of its billboards in some states.

The ADC’s governorship candidates expressed support for the party’s leadership and pledged to work toward victory in their respective states.

The candidates also endorsed the party’s proposed campaign focus on reducing the cost of living, including its position on restoring fuel subsidies to reduce petrol prices, according to the party.

Political analysts say the ADC’s emphasis on issue-based campaigning and internal reconciliation reflects the challenges opposition parties face in maintaining cohesion after competitive primaries.

As political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, observers say adherence to electoral laws and campaign rules will be important in reducing tensions and promoting peaceful political competition.