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ABUJA, NIGERIA – The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has declared that the party is prepared to offer Nigeria a credible alternative to what he termed the failed leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking on Wednesday at the party’s 2nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, Senator Mark painted a grim picture of the nation’s current state, citing “unabating insecurity, kidnapping and violence of immense proportion” as the “new normal” under the current administration.

“The ruling APC has shown incompetence. They have shown that they are incapable of arresting the situation,” Senator Mark told the gathering of party leaders, stakeholders, and state chairmen. “Our party, the ADC, must rise up to the occasion to address these ills. We are prepared to do things differently and make Nigeria a better and safer society.”

The NEC meeting, held on March 25, 2026, was convened at what the National Chairman described as a “critical moment” for both the party and the nation. Senator Mark emphasized that the responsibility before the ADC is “not just political—it is moral and historic.”

A central theme of the chairman’s address was the urgent need for internal unity. While acknowledging that “challenges may arise,” he insisted that cohesion within the party ranks is “non-negotiable.” He specifically praised state chairmen who had recently chosen “the path of dialogue and consultation in spite of all odds.”

“As leaders of this great movement, we must rise above personal interests and remain united in our resolve to build a strong, disciplined, and people-oriented party,” Mark said. “Internal cohesion, respect for party structures, and adherence to democratic principles must remain our guiding pillars.”

The ADC chairman called for a strategic repositioning of the party as the “foremost platform for national renewal,” urging members to strengthen grassroots engagement and expand their reach across all regions, religions, and generations.

He also signaled an openness to alliances, noting that the party must continue to work with “like-minded individuals and groups who share our vision of rescuing our nation from its current challenges.”

“The time for collaboration, constructive engagement, and strategic alignment is now,” he said.

As the NEC meeting proceeded with deliberations, Senator Mark urged party leaders to approach discussions with patriotism and a shared vision, framing the ADC as a “beacon of hope” for millions of Nigerians seeking purposeful leadership.

“The journey ahead may be demanding, but with unity, discipline, and commitment, victory is assured,” he concluded.

Text of the full address below:

REMARKS BY THE NATIONAL CHAIRMAN OF THE AFRICAN DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS (ADC), SENATOR DAVID MARK, GCON, AT THE 2ND NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (NEC) MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2026

Distinguished members of the National Executive Committee, Respected leaders of our great party, Esteemed stakeholders, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is with great honour and a deep sense of responsibility that I welcome you all to this 2nd meeting of the National Executive Committee of our great party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Let me begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to each and every one of you for your unwavering commitment, loyalty, and sacrifices towards the growth and stability of our party. Your dedication, even in challenging times, continues to inspire confidence in the future of the ADC as a credible alternative for national leadership.

This meeting comes at a critical moment in the life of our party and indeed our nation. Nigerians across all walks of life are yearning for purposeful leadership, equity, justice, and a government that truly serves the people. The responsibility before us, therefore, is not just political—it is moral and historic.

As leaders of this great movement, we must rise above personal interests and remain united in our resolve to build a strong, disciplined, and people-oriented party. Internal cohesion, respect for party structures, and adherence to democratic principles must remain our guiding pillars.

Distinguished colleagues,

Our task is clear: to reposition the ADC as the foremost platform for national renewal. We must continue to strengthen our internal mechanisms, expand our grassroots reach, and engage meaningfully with Nigerians across all regions, religions, and generations.

Let me emphasize that unity within our ranks is non-negotiable. Recent developments have shown that while challenges may arise, our collective will to remain focused and united is stronger than any divisive tendencies. We must therefore close ranks, deepen consultation, and reinforce confidence in our leadership and processes.

Let me use this opportunity to thank our state chairmen who have chosen the path of dialogue and consultation in spite of all odds. Together, we can salvage Nigeria.

Distinguished party leaders and members, Nigeria is now bedeviled by unabating insecurity, kidnapping and violence of immense proportion. Unfortunately, these ills are now the new normal.

The ruling APC has shown incompetence. They have shown that they are incapable of arresting the situation.

Our party, the ADC must rise up to the occasion to address these ills. We are prepared to do things differently and make Nigeria a better and safer society.

As we deliberate today, I urge us to approach our discussions with open minds, patriotism, and a shared vision for a better Nigeria. Let our decisions reflect the aspirations of millions of Nigerians who look up to the—ADC as a beacon of hope.

We must also continue to work with like-minded individuals and groups who share our vision of rescuing our nation from its current challenges. The time for collaboration, constructive engagement, and strategic alignment is now.

Distinguished members,
The journey ahead may be demanding, but with unity, discipline, and commitment, victory is assured. Let us remain steadfast and resolute.

On this note, I wish us all fruitful deliberations.
Thank you, and may God bless the African Democratic Congress.
May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.