ADC Won’t Bow To Intimidation, Pressure, Says  David Mark

National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and former senate president, Senator David Mark, says that the party will not give in to intimidation or pressure from any group or quarters.

Mark spoke during the party’s 2026 national convention in Abuja on Tuesday as thousands of delegates gathered to choose the party’s National Working Committee members, noting that the democratic was shrinking under President Bola Tinubu's watch.

The new NWC members will lead the party for the next four years.

His words, “We have made it clear that in an ever-shrinking democratic space, the ADC will not bow, will not be cowed, and we will not retreat.

“We will not surrender because what is at stake is not just the opposition, but the very survival of democracy in Nigeria.” 

He further said that real political parties or movements were not built during easy times, but difficult periods when people are for change, better leadership, and honesty from those in power, adding that the ADC remained committed despite the challenges being faced.

Mark also stressed that, instead of the pressure on the party weakening it, it has rather helped to make it stronger. According to the former Senate President, the pressure has improved unity within the party, widened its alliances, and shown why a strong opposition was important for democracy to grow and flourish.

 He described the ADC as a reliable alternative platform ready to meet those expectations, adding further that the party’s mission was not only about grabbing power, but about proving that democracy can truly improve people’s lives and genuine development. 

Mark then appealed to opposition leaders across the country to work together, as the current situation required a united front irrespective of political differences to move the country forward.

He commended party members for successfully holding congresses across the country despite difficulties, noting that this has helped the party grow stronger at the grassroots level, and 

urged the newly elected leaders to promote unity and love by being responsible, inclusive, and ready to serve, as ADC stands for transparency, accountability, and participation, even as "no member is above the party’s constitution."