By Rafiyat Sadiq
Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has vowed that the party under his leadership will not tolerate the imposition of candidates, anti-party activities, or any form of indiscipline.
Speaking at the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja, Mark assured members of his commitment to uphold internal democracy, transparency, and fairness in the party’s operations.
“I assure you that under my leadership, we shall be committed to full democratic practices and principles that abhor imposition and special privileges,” he said. “Internal democracy, transparency, and accountability will be our mantra.”
Mark praised the outgoing National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, for his dedication and patriotism, describing his decision to step aside as a selfless act in the interest of national progress.
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He pledged to uphold a leadership style built on integrity, vision, and collective decision-making, stating that all organs of the party, from the polling units to the national level, would be re-energised.
“We shall revamp our grassroots leadership structures to reflect modern realities. We will build a technically competent bureaucracy for the party and ensure structured financing. All members will truly own the party,” he said.
Inclusion for Women and Youths
Mark emphasised that meaningful inclusion of youths and women will be central to the ADC’s future. He announced that 35 per cent of all leadership positions will be reserved for women, while young people under 40 will also occupy significant leadership roles.
“Our policies, nominations, and leadership roles will reflect meaningful inclusion of youths and women, not just tokenism,” he added.
The interim chairman revealed that the new National Working Committee (NWC) would soon establish several committees to review the party’s constitution and manifesto to reflect the aspirations of Nigerians.
According to him, the party will no longer leave it to individual candidates to define their own agendas.
“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 announced plans to unveil a 50-member policy committee that will focus on key sectors such as health, education, agriculture, technology, security, economy, and infrastructure.
ADC Witnessing Unprecedented Growth
In his own remarks, Chief Ralph Nwosu, the outgoing chairman, noted that ADC has grown from a relatively obscure movement to a significant political force. He described Mark’s emergence as chairman as the beginning of a new era for the party.
Nwosu revealed that following the adoption of ADC by a national coalition and the unveiling of new leadership on July 2, the party’s membership surged.
“Within one week, our membership grew from maybe 600 people paying dues to almost three million. Some states have requested a minimum of two million membership cards,” he disclosed.
He said the party’s website had crashed three times in recent weeks due to high traffic from young Nigerians seeking to register.
Nwosu urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the judiciary, and other democratic institutions to live up to their responsibilities in protecting democratic integrity.
Grassroots Mobilisation Begins
Mark called on all ADC members to shift focus from Abuja to their polling units and wards in preparation for the 2027 general elections. He urged Nigerians from all backgrounds to join the party, describing it as a platform that promotes equal opportunity regardless of age, gender, region, or religion.
ADC chieftain, Godson Okoye, also encouraged members to remain hopeful, stating that the party has the potential to lead Nigeria into economic recovery.
“This journey has just begun; let us encourage ourselves,” Okoye said
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.
