The Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Senator David Mark, has firmly stated that the party will not tolerate the imposition of candidates, anti-party conduct, or any form of indiscipline.
Speaking during the National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja, Mark pledged to lead the party with integrity, transparency, courage, and a clear vision for its future.
The former Senate President acknowledged the efforts of outgoing National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, and his team, lauding their patriotism and dedication in building the ADC from its foundation.
He praised party leaders and members for their loyalty and commitment, assuring them that fairness and justice would be the cornerstones of his leadership.
“I assure you that under my leadership, we shall be committed to full democratic practices and principles that abhor imposition and special privileges. Internal democracy, transparency, and accountability will be our mantra,” Mark stated.
Laying out a roadmap for reform, Mark emphasized the importance of collective leadership across all levels, a technically proficient party bureaucracy, and a sustainable financial model to promote true ownership among members.
“We shall revamp our grassroots leadership structures to reflect modern realities. From the polling units and wards up to the national level, every organ will be re-energised,” he added.
In a push for inclusivity, Mark promised significant leadership roles for women and youth, setting aside 35 percent of positions for women and ensuring meaningful representation for individuals under 40.
“Our policies, nominations, and leadership roles will reflect meaningful inclusion of youths and women and not just tokenism,” he affirmed.
Plans are underway to form various committees tasked with reviewing the party’s manifesto and constitution, aligning them with the evolving aspirations of Nigerians.
“We shall clearly articulate what we stand for. Nigerians must know us as a party driven by unblemished ideology, progressive policies, and patriotic governance,” Mark said.
He further announced the formation of a 50-member policy committee to focus on key areas such as health, education, agriculture, and national security.
Earlier, Chief Nwosu reflected on the party’s recent surge in membership, reporting that the number of dues-paying members jumped from 600 to nearly three million within a week of Mark’s assumption of leadership on July 2.
“Some states have told us that we must print a minimum of two million membership cards for them,” Nwosu revealed, adding that overwhelming traffic from youth registrations had caused the party’s website to crash three times.
Calling for institutional integrity, Nwosu urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary to remain faithful to their mandates. Meanwhile, ADC chieftain Godson Okoye encouraged party members to stay hopeful and committed. “This journey has just begun; let us encourage ourselves,” Okoye said.
