Former Senate President, David Mark
National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has emphasized that the party’s vision extends far beyond simply winning the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the party’s inaugural National Working Committee (NWC) meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, Mark made it clear that ADC is focused on building a political legacy that stands the test of time.
> “We are in a marathon; we must compete and win. Failure is not an option,” he declared.
According to the former Senate President, ADC’s mission is rooted in values and long-term nation-building, not just a quest for political office.
He described the party as a growing institution designed to outlive personalities and moments, saying it aims to be “bigger than any personality, stronger than any moment,” and fundamentally different from existing political structures in Nigeria.
Mark painted a picture of an inclusive, pan-African, people-driven political movement—one that listens to the needs of the underserved, including retirees, people with disabilities, and the vulnerable.
> “The conveners of this mission are respected leaders from every corner of our nation who have freely chosen service over comfort,” he said.
“We have set aside narrow interests for the common good. The road will be uphill; sacrifice will be demanded. Those threatened by democracy will resist it. Still, we advance — calmly, courageously, together as a formidable team.”
The ADC chairman also laid out the leadership values guiding the party, which he described as non-negotiable: character, competence, courage, and discipline. These four pillars, he said, would define the party’s leadership culture and decisions.
A new blueprint for the party’s operations was also revealed, centered on citizen-focused governance, institutional integrity, and inclusive politics. Mark emphasized that under this model, rules will take precedence over individual interests, and merit will come before loyalty.
He noted that ADC will actively champion the rights and inclusion of various interest groups — workers, youth, women, civil society actors, educators, security retirees, farmers, professionals, and people living with disabilities.
He further stated that the NWC’s immediate priority would be to review and update the party’s constitution, create a code of ethics, establish sustainable financing structures, and ensure compliance.
> “We must establish functional ward, local government, and state structures with trained organisers, digital registers and service desks,” he said.
As part of its long-term development strategy, the party also plans to launch a merit-based leadership academy focusing on policy, ethics, communication, and results-driven governance.
Mark reaffirmed that only candidates who embody the party’s core leadership standards would be considered for public office.
On economic policy, he said the ADC would prioritize price stability and productivity through disciplined coordination between fiscal and monetary authorities. If elected, the party also intends to enhance electricity generation, resolve transmission issues, and incentivize efficient distribution.
> “We will secure our food supply by supporting farmers and agricultural value chains from inputs and storage to processing and markets,” he added.
With this bold agenda, Mark reiterated that ADC is not just preparing for elections, but for long-term impact.
NAN
