David Mark promises collective leadership at all levels, as ADC inaugurates NWC

By KEMI KASUMU

The opposition coalition party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has inaugurated its National Working Committee (NWC) with a commitment to guaranteeing “collective leadership at all levels”.

The DEFENDER reports that by the inauguration, the ADC has officially commenced a new chapter of leadership with former Senate President David Mark being inaugurated as National Chairman at the party’s 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Tuesday July 29, 2025 at the Chelsea Hotel, Abuja.

The event witnessed formal transition of authority to Mark, marking the end of an era under the party’s founding National Chairman, Chief Ralphs Okey Nwosu, was accompanied by major reforms and a renewed call for national democratic rebirth.

The NEC meeting also dissolved the existing National Working Committee and approved the formation of a caretaker committee to guide the party until its next national convention.

In his acceptance speech, Senator David Mark who in his speech described the event not just as the beginning of a new NEC session but also the dawn of a new chapter in ADC that members must write together with courage, unity and conviction.

According to Senator Mark, “It is with profound gratitude, humility, and a deep sense of duty that I address you as the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). I am honoured by the confidence reposed in me, and I pledge before you to serve this party with integrity, transparency, courage, and vision.

“Today marks not just the beginning of a new NEC session, but the dawn of a new chapter in ADC; a chapter that we must write together with courage, unity and conviction.

“I wish to acknowledge the hard work, patriotism, sacrifices and dedication of Hon. Ralph Nwosu and his team who over the years built this party and are relinquishing leadership to our team in the interest of this country.

“Our leaders and all loyal members who contributed in any way to the growth of this political family also deserve our commendation.

“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.

“We will guarantee collective leadership at all levels.

“We will build a technically competent bureaucracy for the party and ensure a structured financing. All members will truly own the party.

“We will be fair and just to all party members. We promise to be totally transparent. ADC will have zero tolerance for anti-party and other forms of indiscipline.

“We shall revamp our grassroots leadership structures to reflect modern realities. From the polling units, wards up to the national level, every organ will be re-energized.

“We will open the gates for the next generation. Our policies, nominations, and leadership roles will reflect meaningful inclusion of youths and women and not just tokenism. This is why we have reserved 35% of our leadership positions for women. It is also our commitment to have youths below the age of 40 years in our leadership.

“Within the shortest possible time, the NWC will raise committees to review the manifesto and the constitution of our party to meet and reflect the aspirations of the Nigerian people.

“We shall clearly articulate what we stand for. Nigerians must know us as a party driven by unblemished ideology, progressive policies, and patriotic governance. We will not leave it to the discretion of individual candidate to choose what to do with power. Therefore, in the coming days, we shall announce a 50-Member Policy Committee to cover health, education, agriculture, technology, security, economy, infrastructure and other services.

“This underlines ADC’s focus in achieving good governance for Nigerians.

“Finally, we invite all Nigerians to join our party. ADC is the only party that guarantees equal opportunity to everyone regardless of age, gender, religion or region. Our handshake is across all divides,” he said.

In an emotional valedictory speech, Chief Ralphs Okey Nwosu reflected on his years of service, celebrating the party’s transformation from a fledgling movement into what he called “a government in waiting,” boasting over 28 Senators, more than 60 Members of the House of Representatives, and numerous state lawmakers across the country.

“ADC has grown from a small bungalow to a mansion,” he said. “In every part of this country, our party is expanding at a phenomenal pace. We have moved from winning just five seats to over 100 elected officials without a single general election.”

He revealed that some powerful forces tried to undermine the ADC-led coalition initiative by offering him three ministerial appointments, a move he rejected, describing it as a desperate attempt to weaken the unity of the opposition.

“They offered me ministerial slots—one for myself and two for people of my choice—but it was all aimed at killing the coalition. When that failed, they resorted to kidnappings and intimidation. Yet, we stood firm for Nigeria,” he stated.

Nwosu accused the ruling APC of using state funds to destabilise the coalition, including funding lodging for political saboteurs in Abuja’s most expensive hotels.

“But we said no. ADC said no. We believe Nigeria needs a viable opposition to protect its democracy from sliding into a one-party fascist state,” he said.

The 99th NEC meeting adopted two major motions. One moved by South West Zonal Vice Chairman, Idowu Rasaq, ratified the reinstatement of previously suspended members—except for Ibe Kachikwu. Another motion, raised by National Organising Secretary Suleiman Ibrahim, called for the immediate dissolution of the existing NWC and the establishment of a caretaker committee led by David Mark.

The caretaker leadership structure also named former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi as National Publicity Secretary, and six Deputy National Chairmen from different geopolitical zones.

Nwosu urged all party organs to unite behind the new leadership, warning that “a single bad person” in the team could undermine years of progress.

Referring to the July 2 coalition pact as a significant milestone, Nwosu stated: “Democracy is back on track with ADC.” He appealed to key national institutions—INEC, the judiciary, and the National Assembly—to perform their duties as the country progresses towards 2027.

“We have taken steps so that Nigeria’s democracy will return to the tracks. ADC is the only party that resisted efforts to silence the opposition. That’s why Nigerians are embracing us,” he said.

According to him, the ADC’s recent announcement of David Mark’s chairmanship sparked a surge in interest, with over three million Nigerians reportedly registering as paying members within one week. He said states have now requested at least two million membership cards each, indicating a rise in public support.

“There is no better reward than what Nigerians are giving us now. Our children and grandchildren can sleep well knowing that we stood up when it mattered most,” Nwosu said in conclusion.

With fresh leadership, a growing membership base, and a renewed ideological drive, the ADC said it is ready to take its place at the forefront of Nigeria’s political future.