• ADC National Chairman David Mark says Nigerians are searching for a credible political alternative ahead of the 2027 elections
• The former Senate President said the ADC would not exploit the hardship faced by Nigerians for political gain
• The ADC chairman said the party's goal is to field credible and electable candidates capable of serving Nigerians effectively

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has urged members of the party to rise to the expectations of Nigerians who are searching for a credible political alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Saturday, May 30, the former Senate President said the ADC must establish itself as a strong platform capable of addressing the nation’s worsening security and economic challenges.

“Many citizens are increasingly searching for a credible political platform. The ADC must not fail them,” Mark told party members.

He noted that Nigeria is grappling with serious security concerns that continue to affect lives, livelihoods, and economic activities across several parts of the country.

“Nigeria today faces profound challenges. Insecurity continues to threaten lives and livelihoods across many parts of our country,” he said, adding that many communities have been displaced, farmers are unable to cultivate their land freely, and businesses are operating under difficult conditions.

Mark also expressed concern over the country’s economic situation, pointing to the rising cost of living, unemployment, declining purchasing power, and growing public frustration.

“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 stated.

Despite the challenges facing the country, the ADC chairman stressed that the opposition party would not exploit the suffering of Nigerians for political gain.

“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,” Mark said.

Instead, he pledged the party’s support for genuine efforts aimed at restoring security, economic stability, national unity, and public confidence.

The former military governor of Niger State also called on federal, state, and local governments to intensify efforts to improve citizens’ welfare and tackle insecurity more effectively.

Addressing internal party matters, Mark urged members to remain united and avoid actions capable of weakening the party ahead of future elections.

“Our strength lies not in division but in unity,” he said, warning that personal ambitions should never override the collective interest of the party.

He encouraged members to resolve disputes through dialogue and established party channels, stressing that internal cohesion would be crucial to the ADC’s success.

Mark further acknowledged concerns and petitions arising from the party’s recent primaries in several states and constituencies.

He assured aggrieved members that all complaints would be reviewed in accordance with the party’s constitution and internal procedures.

According to him, the National Working Committee will carefully examine recommendations from appeal committees before reaching final decisions.

“Our objective is clear. We must present candidates who are not only committed to the ideals of the ADC but who also possess the capacity, credibility and electoral strength to win elections and effectively serve the Nigerian people,” he said.

He concluded by urging party members nationwide to strengthen grassroots mobilisation efforts and remain committed to building a stronger and more competitive political platform ahead of the 2027 elections.

Court bars INEC from recognising ADC congresses conducted by David Mark-led caretaker committee

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had restrained INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) from recognising any state congresses conducted by committees appointed by the caretaker leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Delivering judgment, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that the responsibility for conducting state congresses lies with the party’s state executive committees, not its national leadership.