Former Senate President and chairman of the National Coalition of Political Opposition Movement, Senator David Mark, has said that the coalition’s endorsement of the African Democratic Congress is a strategic move against what he termed the “civilian dictatorship” of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government.
Speaking at a high-level meeting attended by opposition leaders, civil society groups, youth organisations, and other political stakeholders, Mark explained that the decision to rally around the ADC stemmed from a pressing need to reverse Nigeria’s slide toward authoritarianism and a one-party system.
His words: “This coalition goes beyond seeking political power. It is a response to the hijack of our democratic institutions by the APC, the creeping dictatorship and the deliberate destabilisation of opposition parties aimed at total state capture.”
Mark strongly criticised the current administration, accusing it of weakening democratic institutions, fostering widespread poverty and insecurity, and focusing more on politics than governance.
His words: “Under this government, Nigerians are hungrier, poorer and more afraid than ever before. The National Assembly has become an appendage of the executive, insecurity has worsened, and impunity reigns unchecked.”
He said the coalition—which comprises members from various political and civic backgrounds—settled on the ADC as its unified political platform for the 2027 general elections and future democratic engagements, following thorough consultations.
Describing the ADC’s new role, Mark said the party would be “transformed into a true democratic platform where all members are equal stakeholders, where the youth and the elderly, men and women, technocrats and farmers, can work together to rescue Nigeria. This is the great house into which all patriots are invited. Here, the North will hold hands with the South, and every Nigerian will have a place.”
He stressed that the coalition’s objective is to reestablish democratic norms, shift focus to governance over rhetoric, promote inclusive leadership, and ensure justice is upheld across all regions and demographics.
“The opposition is united. The platform is ADC. The time is now. The mission is clear — rescue Nigeria, rebuild Nigeria and return power to the people,” he said.
