THE National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has described the ongoing crisis within the party as a “generational challenge,” declaring that the opposition cannot be silenced through legal or institutional pressure.
News Point Nigeria reports that Mark made the remarks at the party’s 2026 National Convention held in Abuja, where he addressed a large gathering of delegates and supporters amid heightened political tensions.
Speaking at the event, he told party members that the ADC recognises the present moment as both one of great opportunity and immense responsibility.
“Our objective is not merely political success or a mere quest for power. We see it as a duty to ourselves and to posterity to demonstrate to all Nigerians that something good can come out of politics, and that democracy can actually deliver the better life that they seek. This is the fundamental goal of our party,” he said.
Framing the situation as a defining moment, Mark described the party’s struggle as one that transcends partisan politics, urging opposition leaders across Nigeria to unite.
“We view this as a generational challenge. And this is why we say to all opposition leaders in the country, regardless of your political party, come, let us work together to save our country. The challenges that we are confronted with go beyond partisanship; it is a patriotic duty to rescue our country from creeping dictatorship and exploitative governance,” he stated.
The former Senate President also characterised the convention as one of the most significant gatherings in Nigeria’s democratic history, emphasising its symbolic importance.
“Not because of who stands on this podium, but because of what this convention represents: the unyielding survival of opposition democracy in Nigeria,” he added.
Mark noted that his decision to accept leadership of the party was driven by a strong sense of duty and commitment to national renewal.
“I accepted it with an unshakable commitment to reposition the ADC as the platform through which Nigeria will be rescued and rebuilt,” he said.
Reflecting on challenges faced by the party, he lamented what he described as betrayal and systemic obstruction, pointing to recent developments involving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as raising serious concerns about democratic processes.
“Since we started this journey, we have faced many challenges and many hurdles. Our party has faced fierce and unprecedented betrayal. Let us not pretend otherwise. Recent developments involving INEC have raised fundamental questions about the processes that govern our democracy,” he said.
According to him, forces opposed to a united ADC deployed multiple strategies to derail the party’s activities, including legal actions and administrative obstacles.
“Forces that feared what a united ADC represents came for us; through the courts, through institutions, through bureaucratic obstruction. They sought to stop this convention from happening. They removed our names from official portals. They denied us preferred venues. They deployed every instrument available to them to ensure that you — the delegates, the members, the owners of this party — would never gather,” he alleged.
Despite these challenges, Mark insisted that the party would not yield to pressure, warning against what he described as a shrinking democratic space.
“In an ever-shrinking democratic space orchestrated by those in the ruling party, the ADC will not bow, we will not cower, and we will not retreat,” he declared.
He emphasised that enduring political movements are forged in difficult times, not in comfort, describing the current situation as a test of leadership and commitment.
“We will not surrender, because what is at stake is not just about the ADC or the opposition. It is the very survival of our democracy. To surrender, therefore, is to yield to tyranny and become complicit in the destruction of our democracy,” he warned.
Reiterating his stance, Mark dismissed attempts to sideline the party, asserting its resilience and relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape.
“Let us here be the answer to every doubt, every threat, and every shenanigan designed to keep Nigeria trapped in a one-party future. The ADC cannot be wished away. The ADC cannot be litigated into silence. The ADC belongs to the Nigerian people — and the Nigerian people have spoken by showing up today,” he said.
He further argued that efforts to suppress the party had only strengthened its resolve and expanded its support base.
“I say to those who orchestrated these obstacles: you have not weakened us. You have welded us together. Every attempt to suppress this party has only deepened the resolve of our members, widened our coalition, and reminded Nigerians why a strong opposition is not optional; it is essential to democracy’s survival,” he added.
Concluding his address, the ADC chairman reaffirmed the party’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of Nigerians and restoring confidence in the country’s future.
“This is the very reason that they continue to believe, despite the daunting challenges that they face today, that Nigeria, this great country, will rediscover itself,” he said.