Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Senate President, David Mark, has made a bold call for Nigerians to rally behind a new opposition coalition aimed at rescuing the country from collapse and restoring democratic governance.
Speaking on Wednesday at the official unveiling of the ADC as the platform for a nationwide coalition of opposition parties, Mark described the movement as “a historic rescue mission” driven by national urgency and political courage.
“Let it be known to all that this coalition of national political opposition groups goes beyond gaining political power,” he declared.
“It is a concerted effort to rebuild the crumbling pillars of Nigeria’s democracy. The mission is clear: Rescue Nigeria. Rebuild Nigeria. Return power to the people.”
The high-profile event, held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, was attended by a formidable list of opposition leaders including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, who now serves as interim National Secretary of the ADC.
Mark accused the Tinubu-led administration of undermining democratic institutions and pursuing a path toward “civilian dictatorship.”
“It is on record that within two years of the current administration coming to power, it has hijacked all democratic institutions and sent our country on a creeping descent into total civilian dictatorship,” he said.
“The blatant destabilisation and infiltration of all major opposition political parties is aimed at achieving only one objective: to enhance total state capture and leave Nigerians with no alternative or options in 2027.”
He further criticised the federal government’s focus on politicking over governance, alleging that it has turned a blind eye to the struggles of ordinary Nigerians.
“We have never seen a government so much at home with corruption, a government that disdains accountability in all ramifications.
A government more concerned with the next election rather than the survival of the ordinary Nigerian,” he said.
In a stirring appeal to citizens across the country, Mark urged all who are disillusioned with the status quo to join the movement.
“To all our citizens who believe they deserve better… for whom renewed hope has turned to renewed hopelessness — this is your coalition. We welcome you to join us and be part of this historic rescue mission.”
The meeting marks a major political shift, as leaders from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and other platforms have united under the ADC to build a strong, united front ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Political observers say the formation of this coalition could be the strongest challenge yet to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) since 2015.