The Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has called for a new era of ethical and accountable leadership in Nigeria, stressing the need for a political system that serves the people rather than the political elite.
Speaking at a meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) on Tuesday, Mark said the ADC must “change the outdated pattern” of governance that prioritizes the interests of the few.
“We must model a new attitude to leadership across every sphere, public, private, and civic,” he said. “Our mission is not only to attain power in 2027; it is to leave a legacy future generations will be proud to inherit. We are in a marathon we must compete, and win. Failure is not an option.”
The meeting, which later went into a closed-door session, was attended by prominent figures including former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, former Governor of Edo State Osaheimen Osunbor, and the party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola.
Mark outlined key reforms for the ADC, including a review of its constitution, the development of a code of ethics and financing rules, and the establishment of functional ward, local government, and state structures supported by digital registers and trained organizers.
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He said the party will only field credible candidates who embody “Character, Competence, Courage, and Discipline,” adding that Nigerians “will accept nothing less.”
Highlighting the ADC’s policy priorities, the former Senate President pledged that the party would restore the independence of the legislature and judiciary, enforce transparent budgeting, and ensure that government spending aligns with public interest.
“We will end the culture of parallel budgets and extra-budgetary maneuvers by enforcing strict and transparent planning, timely appropriations, and rigorous auditing,” Mark said.
He also vowed to strengthen Nigeria’s economy through credible coordination of fiscal and monetary policy, stable power supply, and agricultural development. “We will secure our food supply by supporting farmers and value chains from inputs to markets,” he stated.
On foreign policy, Mark emphasized that the ADC’s approach would be Pan-African and focused on regional integration and economic cooperation. “We will champion trade within Africa, harmonize standards, leverage diaspora capital, and build coalitions that keep our sub-region stable and prosperous,” he added.
Mark concluded by reaffirming the ADC’s commitment to integrity, transparency, and service: “Let it be said of the ADC that we kept faith with the people, that we were steady under pressure, honest in our dealings, and relentless in delivery. We do not seek power for its own sake; we seek it to build a legacy worthy of our children.”
