By Jeremy Fregene
The Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has sent a strong warning to party members: it’s democracy or nothing.
Mark vowed to enforce the ADC constitution to the letter and declared that the party would not tolerate any form of indiscipline or anti-party activities. According to him, internal democracy is the bedrock of good governance, and without it, Nigeria’s leadership crisis will persist.
Speaking through party chieftain Senator Abubakar Sadiq Yar’adua, who once represented Katsina Central in the National Assembly under the APC, Mark told a gathering of ADC coalition partners in Kaduna at the weekend that the party is committed to creating a level playing field for all.
He commended the Kaduna State leadership for setting an example for others to follow, assuring members and coalition partners that the days of impunity in party politics are over. “It will not be business as usual,” he stressed.
On membership registration, Mark insisted the process will be open, transparent, and credible. He revealed that safeguards are already in place to prevent any manipulation that could damage the party’s image.
Responding, Kaduna State Chairman Elder Patrick Ambut said the unveiling of the coalition has triggered a surge in party membership. He described Nigeria’s current situation under the APC—since 2015—as politically, economically, socially, and psychologically dire.
Ambut expressed confidence that the coalition will give Nigerians the real change they desperately need.
Also speaking, former APC chieftain Salihu Lukman said the ruling party had failed to deliver good governance, pointing to rising poverty, insecurity, and hunger. He maintained that only a party anchored on genuine democracy, like the ADC, can rescue Nigeria from its present crisis.