Nigerians Tired of Slogans, Empty Statistics— David Mark

…Says Party will Champion Integrity, Competence
…Shehu Sani: ADC Has APC, PDP DNA

By Peter Salami
National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, says Nigerians have grown weary of political slogans and statistical promises that fail to translate into better living conditions.

Mark, who spoke during the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, said the ADC was founded on the belief that Nigeria can work for everyone and will be driven by values rather than personalities.

“What makes the ADC different is simple: we will be a party of purpose and determination, not impulses — an institution that champions democratic values and accountability,” he said.

He outlined four non-negotiable leadership standards: character, competence, courage, and discipline, as the pillars on which the party intends to build its identity.

The former Senate President emphasized that internal democracy, transparency, and inclusion will guide the ADC’s internal and external conduct, adding that the supremacy of the party’s constitution and institutions will override personal interests.

He announced a new integrity and performance compact anchored on open governance, merit-based appointments, clean elections, citizen-centered service delivery, and inclusion of women, youth, farmers, and persons with disabilities.

Mark said the ADC would uphold separation of powers, strengthen legislative and judicial independence, and ensure budgets serve the public interest through transparent planning and auditing. He also underscored the need for a merit-driven judiciary that delivers justice efficiently and without bias, stressing that Nigerians deserve policies that lead to food security, stable power supply, job creation, and public safety.

“We will focus on what works,” Mark said. “Nigerians are tired of slogans and statistics that do not translate into their welfare.”

Meanwhile, former Kaduna Central senator Shehu Sani has questioned the distinctiveness of the ADC-led opposition coalition, claiming it carries the “DNA” of both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Reacting on X, Sani said: “Some people came with the DNA of the ruling party and some with the DNA of the PDP and gave birth to the coalition. And you say that baby is different.”

The coalition, which recently adopted the ADC as its platform, includes several prominent politicians such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, former Senate President David Mark, and former governors Rauf Aregbesola and Rotimi Amaechi.