David Mark Defends ADC Coalition, Accuses Tinubu Govt

David Mark, Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)

David Mark Defends ADC Coalition, Accuses Tinubu Government

On April 2, 2026, David Mark, Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), delivered a strongly worded press conference at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, where he accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration of undermining Nigeria’s democratic freedoms.

Mark warned that what he described as “an attack on democracy” would not stand, asserting that the democratic gains achieved since 1999 were now under serious threat.

Mark alleged that the government was deliberately weakening opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, creating conditions where Tinubu would appear as the only viable candidate despite widespread hardship and insecurity.

He emphasized that democracy depends on freedoms of choice, participation, and association, all of which he claimed were under sustained pressure in recent years.

The ADC Chairman linked Nigeria’s economic and security challenges to policy failures of the current administration, arguing that Nigerians would demand change if given a free and fair electoral environment.

He explained that the formation of an opposition coalition under the ADC was a strategic move to safeguard multi-party democracy and resist what he termed an “emerging dictatorship.” According to him, the coalition’s leadership was established through due process, including compliance with the party’s constitution and electoral laws.

Mark detailed the party’s internal restructuring, noting that a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on July 29, 2025, and monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), approved the dissolution of the National Working Committee and the appointment of a caretaker leadership.

This process led to his emergence as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary. INEC subsequently updated the party’s leadership records in September 2025.

Addressing internal disputes, Mark referenced the resignation of former deputy national chairman Nafiu Bala in May 2025, which was formally communicated to INEC. Despite this, Bala later sought legal recognition as ADC chairman.

Mark insisted that INEC was already aware of the new leadership arrangement, and that the process was lawful and transparent.

Mark reiterated the ADC’s commitment to defending democratic principles, vowing that the party and its allies would continue to resist any attempt to erode Nigeria’s multi-party system. His remarks underscore growing tensions between opposition parties and the Tinubu administration as the country approaches the 2027 elections.