The Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has accused the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu of undermining democratic freedoms, warning that “this attack on democracy will not stand.”
Addressing a world press conference on April 2, 2026, at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, Mark said Nigeria’s democratic gains since 1999 are under threat, alleging a deliberate effort to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He argued that democracy thrives on freedoms of choice, participation, and association, stressing that these principles have come under sustained pressure in recent years.
According to him, the alleged clampdown on opposition is aimed at creating a political environment where President Tinubu emerges as the only viable option in 2027, despite what he described as growing hardship and insecurity across the country.
Mark linked the nation’s economic and security challenges to what he termed policy failures of the current administration, claiming Nigerians would seek change if given a free and fair electoral environment.
Explaining the formation of an opposition coalition, Mark said political actors united under the ADC platform as part of efforts to protect multi-party democracy and resist what he described as an “emerging dictatorship.”
He maintained that the coalition followed due process in assuming leadership of the party, including compliance with its constitution and relevant electoral laws.
Mark disclosed that a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025 monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) — approved the dissolution of the party’s National Working Committee and the appointment of a caretaker leadership.
He said the new leadership structure saw him emerge as National Chairman, with Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
According to him, the resolutions of the NEC were duly communicated to INEC, which subsequently updated the party’s leadership records on September 9, 2025.
Mark also addressed the ongoing leadership dispute within the party, referencing a former deputy national chairman, Nafiu Bala, who he said had resigned his position in May 2025.
He noted that despite the resignation being formally communicated to INEC, Bala later approached the court in September 2025 seeking recognition as ADC chairman.
Mark argued that INEC was already aware of the new leadership arrangement at the time of the legal action, insisting that the process that brought in the current leadership was lawful and transparent.
He reiterated the ADC’s commitment to defending democratic principles, vowing that the party and its allies would continue to resist any attempt to erode Nigeria’s multi-party system.
