Senator David Mark, the newly appointed interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has issued a stern warning to party members, declaring a “zero tolerance” policy for anti-party activities as the party positions itself for the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the ADC’s 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at the Chelsea Hotel in Abuja, Mark emphasized that only fully committed members will be part of the party’s future.
“There will be zero tolerance for anti-party; you are either in ADC or not in ADC, those who are not totally committed will not be carried along,” he stated.
Mark’s remarks comes as the ADC undergoes a significant leadership transition, with the former Senate President taking over from Chief Ralph Nwosu, who led the party for over a decade.
The NEC meeting ratified Mark as interim chairman, alongside former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary and former Minister of Sports Bolaji Abdullahi as National Publicity Secretary.
The committee also approved a caretaker committee to oversee the party’s affairs until a national convention is held.
The ADC, recently adopted as the platform for a coalition of opposition political movements led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, aims to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
Mark highlighted the party’s commitment to internal democracy, transparency, and accountability, vowing to resist imposition and special privileges. “Under my leadership, we shall be committed to full democratic practices and principles that abhor imposition. Internal democracy, transparency, and accountability will be our mantra,” he said.
Mark also announced plans to establish a 50-member policy committee to develop a new manifesto addressing key sectors such as health, education, agriculture, technology, security, economy, and infrastructure. He stressed that the ADC would not allow candidates to operate independently of the party’s ideology, aiming to present a unified vision to Nigerians.
“We shall clearly articulate what we stand for. Nigerians must know us as a party driven by unblemished ideology, progressive policies, and patriotic governance,” he affirmed.
The outgoing chairman, Ralph Nwosu, reflected on the party’s growth, noting that the ADC now boasts over 28 senators, 46 House of Representatives members, and more than 50 state assembly members.
He credited the party’s expansion to its resistance against pressures to merge into a one-party state, a move he claimed was resisted to protect Nigeria’s democracy.
“ADC said no. We believe Nigeria needs a viable opposition to prevent a slide into a one-party fascist state,” Nwosu said, adding that over three million Nigerians registered as paying members within a week of Mark’s appointment.
However, concerns about internal democracy were raised by ADC chieftain Mallam Salihu Lukman, who cautioned Mark’s leadership against godfatherism and imposition.
In a statement titled “ADC and the Prospect of Internal Democracy,” Lukman warned that some coalition leaders were already promoting loyalists, risking the party’s vision of inclusivity.
He urged Mark to ensure fair nominations and adhere to the transitional operational guidelines to build an equitable leadership structure across states, local governments, and wards.
The ADC’s new leadership faces the challenge of uniting diverse opposition factions while maintaining its commitment to democratic principles.
As Mark steers the party forward, his emphasis on discipline and inclusivity will be critical in shaping its prospects as a formidable force in Nigeria’s political landscape.
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