Sen. David Mark, former Senate President, has shed light on why the National Coalition of Political Opposition Movements in Nigeria has chosen the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform for the 2027 general elections.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Mark delivered a speech titled “Adoption of African Democratic Congress,” stating that this strategic move marks the beginning of a crucial journey.
Its primary goals, he explained, are to “rescue Nigeria” from what he described as the “misrule” of the incumbent All Progressives Congress (APC) and to “save our hard-won democracy.”
In a previously released press statement, personally signed and distributed to journalists, Mark confirmed his resignation from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
He also announced his new role as interim chairman of the ADC, succeeding Chief Ralph Nwosu, the party’s long-serving chairman.
Additionally, a former Osun State Governor and ally of President Tinubu has been appointed as the coalition’s interim national secretary.
During the event, Mark, who served as Minister of Communications under the late military dictator, Gen.Sani Abacha, characterized the coalition as a broad convergence of various groups.
These include opposition political parties, youth organizations, civil society groups, and other patriotic Nigerians from across the country, all united in their aim to “rescue the very soul of our Republic.”
Mark asserted that Nigerians from all sectors are prepared to “speak with one voice” to resist what he termed the “civilian dictatorship” under President Tinubu’s APC-led administration.
He expressed concerns over the ruling party’s alleged infiltration of opposition parties in a bid to turn Nigeria into a one-party state as the 2027 elections approach.
The former military governor of Niger also criticized the APC government’s approach to national security, the economy, and corruption, saying, “it is nothing to write home about.”
“We are gathered here this afternoon in pursuit of our shared mission to rescue our country and save our hard-won democracy.
“Today, we formally present the operational focus and structure of this new political coalition uniting Nigeria’s diverse opposition groups, political parties, youth organizations, civil society, and other patriots committed to saving the very soul of our Republic.
“Let it be known that this coalition goes beyond the pursuit of political power. It is a concerted effort to rebuild the crumbling pillars of Nigeria’s democracy.
“This marks the beginning of what we know will be a long, difficult, and tedious journey. However, we are prepared to undertake it, united in our belief that no price or sacrifice is too great in the service of our fatherland.
“Within two years of this administration, all democratic institutions have been hijacked, sending our country on a slow descent into civilian dictatorship.
“The blatant destabilization and infiltration of major opposition parties aim to achieve only one thing: complete state capture and the removal of electoral choice in 2027. This coalition exists to stop Nigeria’s descent into a one-party state.
“Never before have we witnessed a government so comfortable with corruption, so dismissive of accountability. A government more focused on elections than on the survival of the ordinary Nigerian.
“One so consumed by politicking that governance is entirely abandoned, while citizens languish in hunger and poverty.
“Insecurity has reached an alarming level across the nation. Bandits and kidnappers kill Nigerians daily without meaningful government response. Our people deserve a government that protects them and makes them feel safe in their own homes.”
Mark also accused President Tinubu of undermining the National Assembly and turning it into a mere extension of the executive arm, using it for political gain at the expense of ordinary citizens.
“Equally disturbing is the total emasculation of the legislative institution. Never in our history have we seen a National Assembly so reduced—legislators, supposed guardians of democracy, now mere cheerleaders and praise singers for the President.
“The National Assembly’s transformation into an appendage of presidential authority is a dangerous conspiracy against the Nigerian people. It is what enables this government to push through unconstitutional policies and actions that deepen poverty and insecurity,” he said.
Meanwhile, videos have surfaced online showing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar welcoming Mr. Peter Obi to his Abuja residence hours after the coalition adopted the ADC.
This has fueled speculation that the party may settle for Obi as its presidential candidate for 2027, banking on his Southern origin to complete the South’s remaining four-year term and pave the way for a Northern Presidency in 2031.
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