The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, has declared the party’s national convention a historic moment, portraying it as a critical test of Nigeria’s democratic resilience and the future of opposition politics.
Addressing delegates in Abuja, the former Senate President framed the gathering as more than a routine political event, describing it as a moment that will ultimately be judged by history based on the choices made by those present.
According to him, defining moments in a nation’s journey are shaped not by spectacle, but by the resolve of leaders and citizens to stand firm when democratic values are under strain.
Mark said the convention, the first under his leadership, reflects the determination of the party to remain relevant and resilient despite mounting pressures, adding that it represents a broader struggle to preserve the space for credible opposition in Nigeria.
He reiterated that the ADC was founded on principles of service, accountability, and national interest, pledging to reposition the party as a viable platform capable of driving meaningful change.
However, he pointed to what he described as institutional and bureaucratic challenges confronting the party, including concerns involving the Independent National Electoral Commission, which he alleged had raised questions about the integrity of the democratic process.
Despite these hurdles, Mark maintained a defiant stance, insisting that the party would neither be intimidated nor derailed. He warned that the stakes extend beyond partisan interests, touching on the survival of democracy itself.
The ADC chairman also called for stronger collaboration among opposition forces, urging political leaders across divides to close ranks in defence of democratic governance and national stability.
He encouraged party members to remain united and committed to the ideals of transparency and inclusiveness, while urging those who did not emerge in the convention’s elections to stay engaged in the party’s long-term vision.
With delegates drawn from across the country, the convention signals a renewed push by the ADC to consolidate its structure and reposition itself within Nigeria’s shifting political landscape ahead of future electoral contests.
ADC Convention: Mark Casts Gathering as Defining Test of Democracy
