Former Senate President David Mark, newly appointed National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), declared that the party’s primary mission is to rescue Nigeria from the “mortal danger” posed by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration under President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday during the formal takeover of the ADC structure by a powerful coalition of political heavyweights, Mark delivered a scathing critique of the APC’s governance, accusing it of abandoning public service for politicking while poverty and insecurity ravage the nation.
In his inaugural address, Mark condemned the APC leadership for prioritizing electoral ambitions over the survival of ordinary Nigerians. “We have never seen a government so much at home with corruption, a government that disdains accountability in all ramifications. A government more concerned with the next election rather than the survival of ordinary Nigerians,” he said. He described the nation’s democracy as under “vicious attack,” warning that the APC’s actions are pushing Nigeria toward a “creeping descent into total civilian dictatorship.”
Mark highlighted the APC’s alleged infiltration of opposition parties to achieve “total state capture” and eliminate viable alternatives ahead of the 2027 elections. He also criticized the National Assembly for becoming a “mere appendage of presidential authority,” accusing legislators of failing in their duty to check executive power. “The transformation of Nigeria’s National Assembly into cheerleaders and praise singers of the President is a dangerous conspiracy against the Nigerian people,” he stated, linking this to the government’s ability to implement “whimsical, unconstitutional policies” that have deepened poverty and insecurity.
The ADC, under Mark’s leadership, aims to rebuild Nigeria’s democratic institutions and restore power to the people. “Our mission transcends any electoral calendar. It is a commitment to rebuild the guardrails of our democracy, to anchor power once again in the will of the people, and to hand to our children a nation worthy of their talents and their dreams,” he said. Mark acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, “No price or sacrifice is too high in the service of our fatherland.”
Addressing the rising insecurity in Nigeria, including terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry, Mark lamented the government’s inaction. “We have never seen this level of insecurity across the length and breadth of our nation. Bandits and kidnappers kill Nigerians at will and on a daily basis. Yet, this ongoing tragedy has not moved the government to any action that would stop these mindless killings,” he said. He emphasized that Nigerians deserve a government that ensures their safety and security.Mark positioned the ADC-led coalition as a movement for all Nigerians, particularly those struggling to survive. “To all suffering Nigerians who are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet; for whom the next meal is not guaranteed, this coalition is for you,” he declared, calling on citizens of all backgrounds to join the effort to save the country.
The takeover event was attended by a formidable roster of political figures, signaling the coalition’s broad support. Attendees included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, Datti Baba Ahmed, former APC National Chairman Chief John Oyegun, erstwhile ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola, former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, factional Labour Party Chairman Esther Usman, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam, former Adamawa State Governor Jibrilla Bindo, former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke, former Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, PDP elder statesman Aminu Wali, former Minister Bolaji Abdullahi, Senators Eyinnaya Abaribe, Victor Umeh, and Ireti Kingibe, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, former Buhari aide Lauretta Onochie, former PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus, Senator Tunde Ogbeha, Borno strongman Kashim Imam, Celestine Omehia, former Chief of Air Staff Sadique Abubakar, and former Edo State Governor Prof Oserheimen Osunbor.
The coalition’s adoption of the ADC, backed by such a diverse and influential group, positions the party as a potential “third force” to challenge Nigeria’s two-party dominance, with a clear focus on addressing governance failures and restoring democratic values.
