The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has inaugurated its National Reconciliation and Peace Committee as part of efforts to strengthen unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The committee, chaired by former Senator Tunde Ogbeha, took the oath of office in Abuja on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, ahead of the formal commencement of its assignment.

The inauguration was performed by the National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, who said the reconciliation process was necessary to rebuild trust, strengthen internal cohesion and ensure that members of the party remained valued and included.

The development comes after the party’s recent primary elections, which produced candidates for various elective positions but also generated disappointments and grievances among some aspirants and their supporters.

David Mark: Election Victory Must Not Divide the Party

Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja, Senator David Mark said the ADC must address internal disagreements in a manner consistent with the principles on which the party was founded.

He said the ADC was built around democracy, inclusion, justice and consultation, as well as what the party describes as its “Handshake Philosophy” of building bridges across differences.

According to Mark, the outcome of an internal election should determine who carries the party’s flag, but should not determine who remains a valued member of the ADC.

He emphasised that aspirants who did not secure tickets still possess valuable experience, political networks, structures and commitment that can contribute to the party’s broader objectives. He also urged successful candidates not to regard electoral victories within the party as a licence to exclude, humiliate or marginalise fellow contestants.

Mark described the party’s broader challenge as building a united political platform capable of earning the confidence of Nigerians ahead of the 2027 elections.

The National Chairman also appealed to aggrieved members to give reconciliation an opportunity, while calling on successful candidates, unsuccessful aspirants and party leaders to play constructive roles in rebuilding trust.

Tunde Ogbeha to Lead Reconciliation Effort

Senator Tunde Ogbeha was named chairman of the National Reconciliation and Peace Committee, with former Edo State governor Professor Oserheimen Osunbor serving as deputy chairman.

Other members reported as part of the committee include Dr Ahmad Ajuji, Barrister Musa Elayo, Senator Andrew Uchendu, Dr Bon Unachukwu, Mr Kunle Ige, Hon. Hajia Rabi Sule and Hon. Abubakar Kanike.

Peter Oyewale, Esq., was named secretary, while Isaac Dare Oketade serves as deputy secretary. The committee will also work with six zonal legal advisers who are expected to liaise with the committee within their respective zones.

The composition brings together party figures from different parts of the country as the ADC seeks to manage post-primary grievances and reinforce its internal structures ahead of the general election.

Reconciliation Linked to ADC’s 2027 Strategy

The reconciliation initiative comes at a critical stage in the ADC’s preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the party seeking to maintain cohesion following its primary elections.

The committee is being established within the framework of the party’s constitution. Senator David Mark said the National Working Committee established the committee in accordance with the ADC Constitution, with reports identifying provisions relating to the party’s reconciliation responsibilities and its “Handshake Philosophy.”

For the ADC, the immediate task is to prevent disagreements arising from internal contests from weakening the party’s structures as preparations for the general election continue.

The party leadership has therefore framed reconciliation as an internal political process aimed at ensuring that both successful and unsuccessful aspirants remain part of the wider party structure.

Ogbeha: Party and National Interests Must Come First

In accepting the assignment, Senator Ogbeha said the committee would work to listen to grievances, heal divisions and rebuild confidence among members.

He said the committee understood the scale of the responsibility before it and pledged to carry out its work with due diligence.

Ogbeha further stressed that members should place Nigeria first, followed by the party, while individual interests should come last. He said reconciliation was not only about resolving disputes but also about strengthening the ADC’s ability to pursue its political objectives ahead of 2027.

The committee’s inauguration and the swearing-in of its members formally begin a process intended to address internal grievances and strengthen unity within the African Democratic Congress as the party moves towards the 2027 general elections.

The ADC leadership has continued to emphasise inclusion, consultation and internal cohesion as important elements of its preparations for the elections.