David Mark, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), declared on Tuesday that Nigerian citizens have grown weary of political slogans and empty statistics that fail to translate into tangible improvements in their daily welfare. He positioned his party as a values-driven alternative focused on accountability and measurable results.
Addressing the party’s National Working Committee meeting in Abuja, the former Senate President articulated the founding conviction of the ADC: that Nigeria can be made to work for all its citizens. He asserted that the party aims to be an institution built on core principles rather than the cult of personalities, a common critique of other political entities in the country.
“What makes the ADC different is simple: we will be a party of purpose and determination, not impulses — an institution that champions democratic values and accountability across all its organs and governments,” Mark stated.
He laid out a framework for the party’s ethos, defining four non-negotiable leadership standards: character, competence, courage, and discipline. These values, he explained, would guide the party’s operations and its candidates. He emphasized a commitment to internal democracy, transparency, and inclusion, insisting that the supremacy of the party’s constitution and institutions would always override personal interests.
Central to his address was the announcement of a new “integrity and performance compact” for governance. This compact is anchored on several key pillars, including open governance and the transparent use of public funds, merit-based appointments, and a citizen-centered approach to service delivery. He specifically promised to uphold the separation of powers, restore legislative and judicial independence, and ensure that national budgets are planned and audited in a transparent manner to serve the public interest.
Mark also stressed the critical need for a merit-driven judiciary that delivers justice efficiently and without bias. He directly linked these institutional reforms to the lived experiences of Nigerians, stating that citizens deserve results that directly translate into food security, a stable power supply, job creation, and overall safety.
“We will focus on what works,” Mark affirmed, reiterating his central critique. “Nigerians are tired of slogans and statistics that do not translate into their welfare.”
Concluding his pledge, the ADC Chairman committed to supporting farmers, strengthening small businesses, and ensuring that the transparent use of public funds leads to measurable and positive improvements in the lives of all citizens.
