The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, on Tuesday declared that Nigeria’s democracy must be protected at all costs, warning against what he described as growing attempts to stifle opposition voices.
Speaking at the ADC 2026 National Elective Convention in Abuja, Mark told party members, supporters, and stakeholders that the gathering represented a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic history.
“I welcome all of you, not merely to a convention, but to a moment that history will remember for a long time… and ask, where were you when the ADC stood up? Where were you when the government made every attempt to silence the voice of the people?” he said.
He added, “Thousands of sons and daughters of Nigeria gathered today in Abuja and said unequivocally, democracy will not die on our watch.”
Mark described the convention as the first under his leadership and one of the most significant political gatherings in recent times, stressing that its importance lay in what it symbolised.
“This is one of the most significant gatherings in recent Nigerian democratic history… It represents the unyielding survival of opposition democracy in Nigeria,” he said.
The former Senate President reiterated that the ADC was founded on service-driven politics, not personal ambition, pledging to reposition the party as a vehicle for national transformation.
“I accepted this responsibility with humility, with a clear sense of duty, and with an unshakable commitment to reposition the ADC as a platform through which Nigeria will be rescued and rebuilt,” he stated.
Mark, however, accused unnamed forces of attempting to frustrate the party, alleging interference through institutions and administrative obstacles.
“Forces that feared what a united ADC represents came for us through the courts, through institutions, through bureaucratic obstructions. They sought to stop this convention from happening,” he said.
“They removed our names from official portals. They denied us preferred venues. They deployed every instrument available to ensure that you… would never gather. But here we are.”
He insisted that such actions had only strengthened the resolve of the party and its members.
“You have not weakened us. You have welded us together. Every attempt to suppress this party has only deepened the resolve of our members,” Mark said.
The ADC chairman warned that the shrinking democratic space in the country posed a serious threat, stressing that the party would not back down.
“We will not surrender because what is at stake is not just about the ADC or the opposition. It is the very survival of democracy,” he declared.
“To surrender… is to yield the ground to tyranny and become complicit in the destruction of our democracy.”
Mark also positioned the ADC as a credible alternative for Nigerians, particularly the younger generation seeking change.
“Across Nigeria, there is a growing awareness by a generation that deserves a different country… Under the harsh light of this scrutiny, the ADC is emerging as a credible alternative,” he said.
He called on opposition leaders across political divides to unite in what he described as a patriotic effort to save the country.
“We say to all opposition leaders in the country, regardless of your political party, come, let us work together to save our country,” he urged.
Describing the party’s mission as beyond a mere quest for power, Mark emphasised its commitment to improving citizens’ lives.
“Our objective is not merely political success… but a duty to demonstrate that democracy can actually deliver a better life,” he said.
He further pledged that the party would prioritise accountability and service, insisting that no individual would be above its rules.
“In the ADC, the constitution will be supreme. The party will be supreme… No member, no matter how highly placed, will be bigger than the party,” he said.
Mark assured Nigerians that the party would focus on people-centred governance if given the mandate.
“We shall return politics to its true purpose, which is to improve the lives of the people… The resources of Nigeria will be deployed in the service of the majority,” he said.
Expressing optimism about the party’s future, he said the ADC could play a defining role in shaping Nigeria’s destiny if it remained united and disciplined.
“I have no doubts that if we remain disciplined, united, and committed to our principles, this party will play a defining role in shaping the future of this country,” he said.
Mark concluded by formally declaring the convention open.
“It is with great pride and pleasure that I declare this eighth national convention of the African Democratic Congress open… God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Boluwatife Enome
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