By John Moses
Senator David Mark, the newly appointed Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has pledged that the newly formed opposition coalition will focus on returning power to ordinary Nigerians and rebuilding the country’s democratic institutions.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday during the formal adoption of the ADC by the national opposition coalition, Mark said the alliance had adopted the ADC as its new political platform. Former ADC chairman Ralph Nwosu officially handed over to Mark, while former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola assumed the role of national secretary.
The event drew key political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi; former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi; ex-Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai; former Benue governor Gabriel Suswam; former APC national chairman John Oyegun; former PDP chairman Uche Secondus; and former deputy speaker Emeka Ihedioha.
Mark emphasised that the coalition was created to prevent Nigeria’s slide into a one-party state under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He accused the government of undermining democracy, fostering corruption and neglecting public welfare.
“Within two years of coming to power, the current administration has hijacked democratic institutions and driven the nation towards a creeping dictatorship,” Mark said. “This coalition stands to stop Nigeria’s drift into a one-party state.”
He criticised the National Assembly for what he described as its transformation into an “appendage of presidential authority,” arguing this has allowed government excesses to go unchecked.
Mark said the coalition is for all Nigerians: “For those struggling to feed, those fearful of violence, and those whose dreams feel out of reach, this coalition is for you.”
Justifying the choice of the ADC as the coalition’s platform, Mark noted it had been selected after months of discussions: “We will transform the ADC into a strong party guided by internal democracy, where everyone is an equal stakeholder.”
Outgoing ADC chairman Nwosu revealed the decision followed 18 months of consultations. “This is beyond politics,” he said. “It’s about moving Nigeria from crisis back to global relevance.”
He dismissed critics of the handover, saying: “Anyone criticising this step is not part of our party. We’re not apologetic – we’re focused on rescuing Nigeria.”
