National Chairman of the Coalition platform, African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has declared that members of the Party under his watch, will not succumb to orchestrated blackmail, tyranny and political pressure, allegedly from the ruling All Progressive Congress APC).
Senator Mark, who made the declaration at the 8th National Convention of the ADC in Abuja on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, enjoined party stalwarts, supporters and sympathizers to remain steadfast and committed to the task of liberating the country from the clutches of oppressive rule and gross misgovernance.
Mark specifically said that the ADC will not sit by, idly, and watch Nigeria slide into the abyss of dictatorship, through what he described as “the systemic erosion of democracy, and weakening of democratic institutions” ongoing under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He vowed that the party will resist all forms of political intimidation and remain steadfast in its mission and assured that the ADC remains committed to defending democratic values and strengthening opposition politics in Nigeria.
Speaking to the thousands of delegates that gathered at the ADC 2026 National Convention, specifically reiterated that the party would and cannot be intimidated despite the increasing political pressure.
He noted that enduring political movements are often shaped during challenging periods when citizens demand accountability, credible leadership, and meaningful change.
The former President of the Senate further said that the struggle goes beyond party interests, but a fight to preserve democracy in Nigeria, stressing that efforts to weaken the party had instead strengthened internal cohesion and expanded its support base.
Mark pointedly said that the ADC is positioning itself as a viable alternative for Nigerians seeking transparent governance and responsible leadership, stressing that the growing public demand, particularly among young Nigerians, for accountability and inclusive governance formed the main cause of the ADC’s struggles to liberate the country from the shackles of oppressive government.
The National chairman of the ADC said that the party’s objective is not merely to gain political power, but to demonstrate that democracy can deliver tangible benefits to citizens, thus called on opposition figures across political divides to collaborate in addressing national challenges, and enhance national unity in the interest of the country.
Mark particularly commended party members for successfully conducting nationwide congresses, saying that the process had strengthened grassroots participation.
He urged the newly elected executive members to prioritise service, inclusiveness, and accountability in their respective roles and reaffirmed that the party would uphold its constitution and ensure that no member operates above established rules.
The ADC National chairman assured Nigerians that the party would focus and implement only policies that would improve citizens’ welfare and promote sustainable development.
While referencing the obstacles placed on the way of the ADC, including denying it the use of the Eagle Square, the National Stadium Velodrome, and moves made to stop private entities from granting the party venue for the hosting of the Convention, Mark urged members to remain focused, resolute and united in the task of building a new Nigeria.
He stressed that party leaders and supporters can ill-afford to be complacent at this point when all hands need to be on deck to retrieve the country from the precipice.
