Senator David Mark, the Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, has declared that the party will not condone candidate imposition, anti-party activities, or any form of indiscipline.
Mark made this known during his address at the party’s National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja, where he pledged to lead with integrity, transparency, courage, and vision.
The former Senate President acknowledged the contributions of outgoing National Chairman Chief Ralph Nwosu and his team, praising their patriotism and sacrifice in building the ADC.
He commended all party leaders and members for their dedication, assuring them of fair and just leadership under his watch.
“I assure you that under my leadership, we shall be committed to full democratic practices and principles that abhor imposition and special privileges. Internal democracy, transparency, and accountability will be our mantra,” Mark stated.
He outlined key reforms for the party, including collective leadership at all levels, a technically competent bureaucracy, and structured financing to ensure members truly own the party.
“We shall revamp our grassroots leadership structures to reflect modern realities. From the polling units and wards up to the national level, every organ will be re-energised,” he added.
Mark emphasized inclusion for youth and women, reserving 35 per cent of leadership positions for women and ensuring representation for those under 40.
“Our policies, nominations, and leadership roles will reflect meaningful inclusion of youths and women and not just tokenism,” he affirmed.
The ADC will soon form committees to review its manifesto and constitution to align with Nigerians’ aspirations.
“We shall clearly articulate what we stand for. Nigerians must know us as a party driven by unblemished ideology, progressive policies, and patriotic governance,” Mark said.
He also announced plans to unveil a 50-member policy committee focused on critical sectors like health, education, agriculture, and security.
Earlier, Chief Nwosu highlighted the ADC’s rapid growth, noting that membership surged from 600 dues-paying members to nearly three million within a week of Mark’s leadership unveiling on July 2.
“Some states have told us that we must print a minimum of two million membership cards for them,” Nwosu revealed, adding that the party’s website crashed three times due to youth registration traffic.
Nwosu called on INEC and the judiciary to uphold their mandates, while ADC chieftain Godson Okoye urged members to remain hopeful, describing the party as Nigeria’s path to prosperity. “This journey has just begun; let us encourage ourselves,” Okoye said.
