Former Senate President, Senator David Mark, has provided insight into why the National Coalition of Political Opposition Movements in Nigeria, which he now chairs, has adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its chosen party to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Addressing the media in Abuja on Wednesday in a speech titled “Adoption of African Democratic Congress,” Mark stated that this strategic move signals the beginning of a crucial journey.
He described this journey as one not only to rescue Nigeria from what he termed the ruling All Progressives Congress’ (APC) misrule but also to “save our hard-won democracy.”
Read Also: David Mark Resigns From PDP
In an earlier statement he personally signed, Mark confirmed his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his assumption of leadership as the interim chairman of the ADC, taking over from the party’s longtime chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu.
Notably, a former ally of President Tinubu and former Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, has been named interim national secretary, indicating a broad-based coalition.
During the event, Mark, who served as a Minister of Communications under the late General Sani Abacha, characterized the coalition as a convergence of diverse groups: opposition political parties, youth organizations, civil society groups, and other patriots from across the country.
Their collective aim, he stated, is to rescue “the very soul of our Republic.”
According to Mark, Nigerians from all walks of life are prepared to speak with one voice to resist what he termed “civilian dictatorship” under President Tinubu’s APC-led government.
He expressed significant concerns over the ruling party’s alleged infiltration of opposition parties, suggesting this is an attempt to transform Nigeria into a one-party state as the 2027 elections draw closer.
Furthermore, the former military governor criticized the APC government’s handling of national security, the economy, and corruption, summarily stating that “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 accused President Bola Tinubu of deliberately weakening the National Assembly, effectively reducing it to a subservient arm of the executive.
He claimed that the legislative body is being used by Tinubu for political expediency, rather than serving the interests 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 added.
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