The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, David Mark, on Wednesday revealed what he described as the real challenge confronting the opposition party ahead of the 2027 elections.

Mark said the ADC’s major challenge was to build a united political platform capable of winning elections in 2027.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, the former Senate President acknowledged that the party’s recently concluded primaries had produced winners as well as grievances among members.

He said, “Our recently concluded primaries produced winners, but they also produced disappointments and grievances. These are realities we must acknowledge and address.

“An election may determine who carries the flag, but it must never determine who belongs to the party. Those who do not emerge victorious remain valuable members of the ADC. Their experiences, net worth, commitment and structures remain important assets.

“Those who emerge victorious must recognise that victory comes with responsibility. It’s not a licence to exclude, humiliate or marginalise others.

“Our real challenge is not the ADC members who contested against you. Our real challenge is to build a united political platform capable of winning the confidence of Nigerians in 2027.

“This is why the National Working Committee has established this committee in accordance with the constitution of the ADC.”

Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed eight terrorists, rescued 30 kidnap victims and recovered several weapons in operations across the country.

The military operational update made available on Wednesday, said the operations were conducted between August 31 and September 1 across theatres.

The report said the troops of 151 Task Force Battalion, Sector 1, Operation HADIN KAI, neutralised a terrorist after fighting through an ambush involving a concealed improvised explosive device in Borno.

It added that troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, 14 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and an IED initiator during the encounter at Miyanti-Banki Junction, Bama Local Government Area (LGA).

According to the report, the engagement, however, resulted in the death of one soldier, while another sustained injuries and a military gun truck was damaged.

“In Yobe, troops of 120 Task Force Battalion, in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force, neutralised another terrorist at Lamusuri, Gujba Local Government Area.

“The troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, two magazines, 90 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and a body pouch after the encounter.

“The military also recorded aerial success in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno, where an air strike neutralised three terrorists and destroyed structures used as hideouts,” he said.

The report also revealed that troops of the 211 Demonstration Battalion, Operation MESA, neutralised two terrorists and rescued nine kidnapped victims from Makodi Gwamnare Forest in Ningi LGA of Bauchi State.

It added that troops recovered eight mobile phones and N1.48 million from the terrorists, while the rescued victims were reunited with their families.

In Kogi, the military said the troops of 21 Battalion, working with the police, State Security Service and local hunters, rescued 21 victims abandoned by fleeing kidnappers.

It said the victims, comprising eight males and 13 females, were rescued from Egume-Ochaja Forest in Dekina LGA.

According to the report, one male victim who sustained a gunshot wound during the operation was stabilised at a military medical facility.

“In Katsina, troops of 17 Brigade and an Office of the National Security Adviser tactical team neutralised two terrorists and destroyed two motorcycles during a fighting patrol in Kogo Village, Matazu LGA. In Zamfara, troops responding to intelligence on cattle rustling were ambushed at Bude Village, Bungudu Local Government Area, but fought through and forced the terrorists to abandon the rustled cattle.

“In Plateau, troops arrested four suspected criminals and recovered a locally fabricated firearm, three motorcycles, a cutlass and a knife at Exland Village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. In Delta, troops intercepted a trailer conveying illegally mined ilmenite and arrested two suspects along the Bomadi-Oro Junction road.

“In Rivers, troops engaged armed oil thieves involved in pipeline vandalism at the Oboburu community, forcing the suspects to flee, while one suspect sustained gunshot wounds. Troops also discovered an illegal refining site in Okarki Forest, Ahoada West Local Government Area, recovering equipment and about 40 litres of stolen crude oil,” he said.

The report said the latest operations underscored the military’s continued reliance on intelligence, joint operations and sustained offensive action to disrupt terrorists, kidnappers, criminal networks and economic saboteurs across the country. 

(NAN)