Senator David Mark, Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has firmly declared a zero-tolerance stance on anti-party activities and internal indiscipline, emphasizing that only those fully committed to the party’s ideals will be carried along.
“You are either in ADC or not in ADC. Those who are not totally committed will not be carried along,” Mark said at the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja.
In his first major address since assuming leadership, Mark underscored the ADC’s commitment to transparency, integrity, and internal democracy, vowing that his tenure will reflect collective leadership and a clear departure from the era of imposition and favoritism.
A New Era of Accountability and Inclusiveness
Mark praised the patriotism and sacrifices of the outgoing National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, commending him for building the ADC over the years and for his statesmanship in handing over the party’s reins for the greater national good.
He also acknowledged the contributions of other party leaders and loyal members, pledging a leadership style rooted in fairness and justice.
“We shall be committed to full democratic practices and principles that abhor imposition and special privileges. Internal democracy, transparency, and accountability will be our mantra,” he affirmed.
The new ADC chairman emphasized the need to revamp the party’s grassroots structures to reflect modern realities, promising to energize every organ of the party from polling units and wards up to the national level.
Youth and Women at the Core of ADC’s Agenda
Mark announced a bold inclusion strategy, revealing that 35% of all leadership roles in the party have been reserved for women, alongside a commitment to ensure that youths under the age of 40 occupy significant leadership positions.
“Our policies, nominations, and leadership roles will reflect meaningful inclusion of youths and women not just tokenism,” he said.
He also outlined plans for the immediate formation of review committees that will reassess the party’s manifesto and constitution to better align with the aspirations of the Nigerian people.
A Vision-Driven Policy Framework
Mark said the ADC under his leadership will be guided by clear, progressive policies and patriotic governance.
“We shall clearly articulate what we stand for. Nigerians must know us as a party driven by unblemished ideology,” he said, stressing that candidates will no longer be left to independently decide their agenda when in power.
He revealed plans to inaugurate a 50-member policy committee focusing on critical sectors such as health, education, agriculture, technology, security, economy, and infrastructure.
Mark urged ADC members to return to their polling units and begin grassroots mobilization, emphasizing that party-building cannot be achieved from Abuja alone.
ADC’s Growing Momentum
Earlier, outgoing Chairman Chief Ralph Nwosu highlighted the party’s recent surge in popularity, attributing the growth to the emergence of David Mark as a unifying leader.
According to Nwosu, ADC has transformed from a fringe political movement to a major national force. He disclosed that the party’s website had crashed three times in one week due to a massive influx of young Nigerians trying to register.
“Within one week, our membership grew from maybe 600 people who were paying dues to almost three million. Some states are now requesting at least two million membership cards,” Nwosu said.
He described the party’s adoption by the national coalition and the emergence of Senator Mark on July 2 as “a new dawn.”
Call for Institutional Responsibility
Nwosu also called on the judiciary, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other democratic institutions to rise to the occasion and fulfill their constitutional responsibilities with integrity.
Meanwhile, ADC chieftain Godson Okoye encouraged party members to stay optimistic and focused, saying the ADC is poised to lead Nigeria into economic prosperity.
“This journey has just begun. Let us encourage ourselves,” he said.
With its new leadership, clearer ideology, and growing support base, the African Democratic Congress appears to be positioning itself as a viable alternative in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
