Nigeria's democratic system is under threat, former Senate President David Mark cautions at ADC gathering

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By Luminous Jannamike

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ABUJA — Nigeria’s democracy is under growing strain and must be defended, former Senate President David Mark warned on Tuesday, as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) opened its national convention amid complaints of political pressure and institutional interference.

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What began as a routine party convention quickly turned into a broader political moment, drawing opposition figures and supporters into a show of resolve amid concerns that the democratic space is tightening and that unity is becoming urgent.

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Speaking at the event, Mark, now National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, delivered a message that blended warning, defiance and a call for opposition leaders to come together across party lines.

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“We are not for the spoken, but at times when things are bad, you need to imagine it in figures, democracy will not die on our watch,” he said.

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He told delegates that there had been attempts to frustrate the convention, alleging that forces opposed to a united ADC used institutions and administrative hurdles to block the gathering.

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“Through the courts, through institutions, through bureaucratic obstruction, they sought to stop this convention from happening. They removed our names from official portals. They denied us preferred venues, but we are here,” he said, referring to efforts to disrupt the convention.

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Mark pointed to recent developments involving the Independent National Electoral Commission as raising concerns about how democratic processes are being handled, warning that the opposition would not back down.

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“In an ever-shrinking democratic space, the ADC will not bow, we will not cower, and we will not retreat,” he said.

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Beyond the immediate dispute, he framed the moment as part of a bigger struggle over Nigeria’s democratic future, urging political actors across divides to work together.

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“We say to all opposition leaders in the country, regardless of your political party, come, let us work together to save our country, the challenges we face go beyond partisanship,” he said.

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The ADC chairman also said the party is gaining traction, especially among younger Nigerians who are increasingly questioning leadership and demanding a different direction.

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“This generation is asking tough questions of leadership, and we are emerging as a credible alternative because our vision aligns with their aspirations,” he said.

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He stressed that the party’s goal goes beyond winning power, saying it is about showing that governance can improve people’s lives through accountability and service.

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“In ADC, we shall return politics to its true purpose: to improve the lives of the people, the resources of Nigeria will be deployed in the service of the majority,” he said.

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Mark said the party had stayed organised despite the challenges, pointing to the conduct of its congresses nationwide as a sign of growing grassroots strength.

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“To those who have emerged as leaders, leadership must be defined by service and accountability, not exclusion, but expansion; not control, but coordination,” he said.

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He also made it clear that no one in the party would be above its rules, adding that those elected on its platform would be held accountable for their actions.

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“No member of this party, no matter how highly placed, will be bigger than the party, we will hold every elected and appointed official accountable,” he said.

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Framing the moment as a turning point, he urged members to stay disciplined and united, saying the choices made now would shape the country’s future.

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“Future generations may look back at this period as the point when we chose a different path, that this great country has to rise and meet its destiny,” he said.

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Declaring the convention open, Mark expressed confidence in the party’s direction and its role in Nigeria’s future.

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“This is the moment that we chose to change Nigeria,” he said.

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