LEADERS of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), one of Nigeria’s emerging political forces, on Monday held a high-level closed-door meeting in Abuja to deliberate on the party’s future direction and strategies ahead of the next general elections.
News Point Nigeria reports that the meeting, chaired by the former Senate President and National Chairman of the ADC, David Mark, was attended by several prominent national figures including former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who serves as the party’s National Secretary; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal; and former Edo State Governor, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor, among others.
The gathering marked the inaugural meeting of the ADC National Working Committee (NWC) under its new leadership structure. Following an opening address by the chairman, the session later went into a closed-door deliberation expected to focus on the party’s organizational framework, membership drive, and political strategy.
Addressing the NWC before the private session, David Mark reaffirmed the ADC’s resolve to “depart from the old, self-serving style of politics” that prioritizes personal ambition over the collective good of Nigerians.
“We are not seeking power for its own sake,” Mark declared. “We seek to build a lasting legacy. We are in a marathon; we must compete and win. Failure is not an option.”
Mark stressed that the ADC under his leadership would be an institution stronger than any individual and different from the personality-driven political formations that have defined Nigeria’s democracy.
“The ADC will be an institution bigger than any personality, stronger than any moment. It will be a party rooted in service, integrity, and people-oriented governance,” he stated.
He described the party’s emerging leadership as pan-African, people-centred, problem-solving, and sensitive to the needs of ordinary Nigerians, especially persons with disabilities, retirees, and the vulnerable.
According to Mark, the conveners of the new ADC movement are respected leaders drawn from all parts of the country, united by a common mission to serve Nigeria selflessly.
“We have freely chosen service over comfort. We have set aside narrow interests for the common good. The road will be uphill; sacrifice will be demanded,” he said.
He acknowledged that efforts to build a people-first political institution would not be without resistance, noting that “those threatened by democracy will resist it,” but vowed that the ADC would continue to advance “calmly, courageously, and collectively as a formidable team.”
Mark also outlined the four foundational pillars upon which the ADC’s leadership philosophy would rest, character, competence, courage, and discipline.
He said these values would define how the party recruits leaders, conducts its affairs, and interacts with Nigerians.
“Our leadership standard is non-negotiable. It must reflect honesty, ability, boldness, and self-control. That is what Nigerians deserve,” he added.