Just in: David Mark Vows ADC Will Redefine Leadership, as Party holds emergency meeting

Speaking at the gathering, David Mark, Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), criticized the nation’s political elite for repeatedly forming governments that cater mainly to their own interests. He declared that the ADC “must break this outdated pattern and set a new example of leadership in public, private, and civic life.”

After the opening session, the meeting continued behind closed doors.

Among those present were David Mark, National Secretary Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, and former Edo State Governor Oserheimen Osunbor.

Addressing the National Working Committee (NWC), Mark emphasized that the party’s mission extends beyond electoral victory in 2027. “Our goal is to create a legacy that future generations will be proud of,” he said. “This is a long race we must complete successfully failure is not an option.”

He charged the NWC with several urgent tasks: “We must update our constitution to reflect current realities, establish a code of conduct, clear financial guidelines, and effective compliance systems. Functional party structures must be built from ward to state level, equipped with trained organizers, digital membership systems, and service desks.”

Mark also announced plans to establish a leadership academy focused on policy, ethics, communication, and delivery ensuring a pipeline of competent and principled leaders.

He stressed that the ADC would prepare early for upcoming elections and field only candidates who embody the “four pillars of leadership Character, Competence, Courage, and Discipline.”

“The Nigerian people will no longer accept mediocrity,” he said. “We must prove that politics can serve the people, not the privileged few. The ADC must remain steadfast, transparent, and results-driven. Power, for us, is a means to build a lasting legacy.”

On governance priorities, Mark pledged that the ADC would uphold the separation of powers, restore legislative and judicial independence, and strengthen budget oversight to ensure public resources serve citizens rather than private interests. “We will end parallel budgets and off-the-books spending through transparent planning, timely appropriations, and strict audits,” he said.

He described the judiciary as a cornerstone of democracy: “It must once again be a refuge for every citizen independent, efficient, and fair, with merit-based appointments and time-bound rulings.”

Mark noted that Nigerians are tired of empty slogans and data that don’t improve their lives. “Our focus will be on tangible progress—food security, reliable power, employment, and safety,” he assured.

He outlined the ADC’s economic vision: stabilizing prices, coordinating fiscal and monetary policies, boosting power generation, fixing transmission, and rewarding efficiency in distribution.

The party, he added, would strengthen agriculture, support small businesses with affordable credit, and ensure transparency in government spending.

“Our performance will be measured by the real impact on citizens’ lives steady prices, consistent electricity, visible infrastructure, and dignified work,” he stated.

On foreign policy, Mark reaffirmed a Pan-African approach, emphasizing regional cooperation, intra-African trade, and diaspora engagement to promote peace and prosperity across the continent.