David Mark: ADC not desperate for power — our goal is to serve Nigerians

David Mark, national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), says the party’s goal is to build a legacy of service, not to chase power.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the party’s national working committee (NWC) in Abuja on Tuesday, Mark said the ADC was founded on a conviction that Nigeria can and will work for everyone.

He said the party seeks to build an institution “bigger than any personality, stronger than any moment, and positively different from any party in the annals of our 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 a culture of accountability and responsibility across its organs and in every government it forms,” he said.

Mark said the ADC’s leadership standard is non-negotiable and anchored on four pillars which, he said, would guide the party’s choices and culture.

He described the party as a “Pan-African, people-oriented, problem-solving movement” that is sensitive to the needs of the poor, the youth, women, workers, entrepreneurs, and persons with disabilities.

The former senate president said unlike other parties that “revolve around individuals”, the ADC will be guided by rules, policies, programmes, and people.

“The supremacy we seek is the supremacy of our constitution and institutions — over everything: personality, improvisation, and idiosyncrasy,” he said.

“First, open party, open books: independent annual audits published; procurement rules enforced; well-articulated conflict-of-interest and gift policies.

“Second, merit before loyalty: all appointments — party and government — benchmarked to the pillar standard of character, competence, courage, and discipline.”

He also pledged to promote clean elections and digital, verifiable membership systems, saying performance scorecards would be published quarterly.

“Citizens come first, service charters in every ADC-led government will include timelines, public dashboards, and real feedback mechanisms,” the ADC chair said.

‘JUDICIARY MUST BE A REFUGE FOR CITIZENS’

Mark said the ADC would guarantee dignity and inclusion by ensuring representation for all Nigerians.

He said the party would defend the separation of powers, strengthen legislative and judicial independence, and ensure budgets serve the public interest.

“The judiciary must again be a refuge for every citizen. We will back an independent, efficient, and trusted bench — appointments on merit, transparent case management, time-bound rulings, and a bias for justice over empty technicalities,” he said.

Mark said Nigerians are tired of slogans and statistics that do not translate into improved welfare, promising that the ADC will focus on what works.

He noted that the party would support farmers, back small businesses, and enforce transparency in public spending.

“We will shine a bright light on every naira — no parallel budget, no black-box spending, no sacred cows,” he said.

“Judge us by what Nigerians feel in their daily lives, not rhetoric or bland statistics.”

He added that the ADC’s foreign policy would be Pan-African, focused on regional integration, trade, and peace.

Mark noted that the political class must stop serving itself and start prioritising Nigerians’ interests.

“We do not seek power for its own sake; we seek it to build a legacy worthy of our children,” he said.

“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.”

The ADC chair added that the party would uphold integrity and performance as a compact with Nigerians, anchored on transparency and merit.