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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Friday inaugurated its new national secretariat in Abuja, as the national chairman of the party, David Mark, declared that the event marked “a defining moment” for the party and the country’s democratic future, and a clear signal that “it will no longer be business as usual.”
This came as the party denied claims that the property was donated by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, explaining that he only leased it during his campaign and that the tenancy had since expired.
The ADC also clarified that its ticket has not been reserved for any potential presidential candidate.
Mark said the 4-level complex represents more than a physical relocation, describing it as the launchpad for a disciplined, visionary and people-driven movement.
He added that the unveiling signifies the ADC’s transition into “a historic child of necessity” shaped by Nigerians’ demand for good governance, accountability and a stronger democratic culture.
According to him, the new headquarters will serve as the party’s operational nerve centre where strategies will be crafted, ideas refined, and future leaders groomed.
He said it will also drive efforts to strengthen institutions, uplift communities, and protect democratic values.
Calling for unity, he said the era of internal divisions was over, “Let today symbolise the rise of a stronger, more disciplined and more people-oriented party with one agenda: to serve Nigeria and its people,” he said.
The event, held in the heart of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), drew former governors Rotimi Amaechi, Nasir El-Rufai, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor and Rauf Aregbesola, who is the party’s national secretary, as well as former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, Hajiya Nàja’atu Mohammed, members of the National Executive Committee and former party national chairman Ralph Nwosu.
Responding to journalists, National Publicity Secretary Malam Bolaji Abdullahi dismissed claims that the building was donated by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
He explained that Atiku only leased the property during his presidential campaign and that the tenancy had long expired.
“This building never belonged to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. The ADC is now the tenant. Atiku has nothing to do with our movement here,” he said.
Abdullahi said the presence of several potential presidential aspirants at the unveiling demonstrated that the party’s direction was not tied to any individual.
He also confirmed that as the party prepares to commence nationwide membership registration and validation, waivers granted to prominent figures, including former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, to regularise their membership remain valid, despite the conclusion of off-season elections.
On the party’s performance in the recent Anambra governorship election, Abdullahi said the outcome does not reflect the ADC’s national strength, noting that Anambra’s political dynamics are unique and that most pre-election processes were completed before the coalition took shape.
He added that Nigerians were already seeking an alternative to the APC and that the ADC intends to demonstrate it is that viable option while remaining open to alliances.
Addressing internal issues, Abdullahi acknowledged competing interests but said disagreements had been kept minimal due to a culture of fairness and justice.
He added that legacy State chairmen remained in office as earlier assured, and that many state chapters were already setting up transition committees ahead of congresses scheduled for February.
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