2027: ADC must not fail Nigerians, says Mark

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, has said millions of Nigerians who are frustrated by “worsening economic hardship and insecurity” are searching for a credible political alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Mark, a former Senate President, said the growing disillusionment among citizens presented a major opportunity for the ADC to position itself as a viable platform capable of offering practical solutions to the country’s challenges.

Speaking at the party’s National Executive Committee meeting on Saturday in Abuja, Mark urged party leaders, elected officials, state chairmen and stakeholders not to squander what he described as a rare political moment in the country’s democratic journey.

He stressed the need for discipline, internal democracy, and institutional strengthening, warning that the ADC must avoid the mistakes that have weakened many opposition parties in the past.

According to him, Nigerians are increasingly looking beyond established political platforms in search of leaders capable of addressing the country’s numerous challenges.

“Many citizens are increasingly searching for a credible political platform. The ADC must not fail them,” he said.

The ADC chairman lamented the deteriorating security situation across parts of the country, noting that insecurity continues to disrupt economic activities, displace communities, and undermine public confidence in governance.

“Nigeria today faces profound challenges. Insecurity continues to threaten lives and livelihoods across many parts of our country. Communities are displaced, farmers are unable to cultivate their lands freely, businesses struggle under difficult economic conditions, and millions of families face hardship and uncertainty,” he stated.

Mark also expressed concern over the economic difficulties confronting ordinary Nigerians, citing rising inflation, declining purchasing power, unemployment, and worsening living conditions as issues requiring urgent government attention.

“Equally troubling is the growing economic burden on ordinary Nigerians. Rising cost of living, unemployment, declining purchasing power, and social discontent demand urgent and sincere attention from those entrusted with governance,” he added.

Despite his criticism of prevailing conditions in the country, Mark said the ADC would not seek to exploit the suffering of Nigerians for political gain.

According to him, opposition politics should focus on offering constructive alternatives rather than celebrating the difficulties confronting citizens.

“As a responsible opposition party, the ADC does not celebrate the difficulties confronting our nation, nor do we seek political advantage from the pain of our people. Rather, we stand firmly in support of every sincere effort aimed at restoring peace, security, economic stability, and national cohesion,” he said.

The former Senate President called on governments at all levels to intensify efforts aimed at improving security, reviving economic growth, and implementing policies that directly impact citizens’ welfare.

Beyond national issues, Mark devoted significant attention to internal party affairs, emphasising that the ADC’s future success would depend largely on its ability to maintain unity and effectively manage internal disagreements.

He urged party members to place collective interests above personal ambitions, warning that division and internal conflicts could undermine the party’s prospects ahead of future elections.

“The ADC must remain a home for all Nigerians who seek credible leadership and genuine democratic alternatives. Our strength lies not in division but in unity.

“We must resist every tendency capable of weakening our collective resolve. Personal ambition must never supersede party interest. Internal disagreements, where they exist, should be resolved through dialogue, mutual respect and established party mechanisms,” he said.

His comments come against the backdrop of disputes arising from recent party primaries in several states, with some aspirants and stakeholders reportedly lodging petitions over the conduct and outcome of the exercises.

Acknowledging the grievances, Mark assured aggrieved members that the party leadership would address all complaints fairly and transparently in accordance with the party’s constitution.

“I am aware of the numerous complaints, concerns, and petitions arising from our party primaries across various states and constituencies. These issues are neither unusual in democratic contests nor beyond resolution within the framework of our party constitution and established procedures,” he said.

He disclosed that the National Working Committee would carefully review recommendations submitted by various appeal committees before taking final decisions.

“I wish to assure all members that the National Working Committee will critically review the recommendations submitted by the various appeal committees and take informed, fair and responsible decisions in the overall interest of justice, equity and party unity,” Mark stated.