Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has accused President Bola Tinubu of undermining democratic freedoms, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
Addressing a world press conference in Abuja, Mark said although Nigeria has operated under democratic rule since 1999, recent developments suggest a reversal of the gains made over the years.
He argued that democracy can only survive where citizens are free to choose, participate and associate, adding that these freedoms have come under sustained pressure in the past three years.
Alleges Plan to Weaken Opposition Ahead of 2027
Mark alleged that the current administration is working to limit political choices ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to him, the aim is to create a political environment where the president emerges as the only viable option, despite growing concerns over insecurity and economic hardship across the country.
He linked rising poverty and worsening security to what he described as policy failures, insisting that the government is aware Nigerians may vote it out and is therefore determined to retain power by all means.
Coalition Formed to Resist ‘Emerging Dictatorship’
Explaining the formation of the opposition coalition, Mark said it was driven by the need to protect multi-party democracy and resist what he called a systematic clampdown on opposition parties.
He said leaders of the coalition chose the ADC as a platform after meeting all constitutional and legal requirements guiding political parties.
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Details of Leadership Changes in ADC
Mark said a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025 and monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) approved the dissolution of the party’s National Working Committee.
He said the meeting also ratified a caretaker committee, with himself as national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary.
According to him, the outcome of the meeting was formally communicated to INEC, which subsequently uploaded the names of the new party executives on September 9, 2025.
Dispute over Leadership Claim
Mark also addressed the controversy involving Nafiu Bala, a former deputy national chairman of the party.
He said Bala resigned from his position on May 17, 2025, and that the resignation was duly communicated to INEC in August of the same year.
Despite this, Mark said Bala later approached the court in September seeking recognition as chairman of the party.
He argued that by the time the suit was filed, INEC was already aware of both Bala’s resignation and the emergence of the new leadership following the July NEC meeting.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
