By NEFISHETU YAKUBU

National Chairman of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Sen. David Mark, has said that the party will not bow to intimidation amid mounting political pressure.

Mark stated this during the party’s 2026 national convention held on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that the national convention attracted no fewer than 3,000 delegates, all of whom were gathered to elect new members of National Working Committee to steer the ship of the party for the next four years.

“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,” Mark said.

According to him, strong political movements are built not in comfort but in difficult times when citizens demand change, leadership, integrity and unwavering commitment to national progress.

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

Mark said that attempts to weaken the party had rather strengthened its internal unity, expanded its coalition and reinforced the importance of a strong opposition in sustaining democracy.

According to him, a new generation of Nigerians is demanding accountability, transparency and leadership that supports their ambitions, positioning ADC as a credible alternative political platform.

Mark noted that the party’s objective goes beyond political power but a duty to demonstrate that democracy could improve lives and deliver meaningful development.

He called on oppositeion leaders across party lines to unite in rescuing the country, describing the current challenges as a patriotic duty beyond partisan political interests.

The former senate president commended members for successfully conducting congresses nationwide despite challenges, noting that the party was deepening its grassroots presence and democratic participation.

He urged the newly-elected leaders to embrace accountability, inclusiveness and service, emphasising that leadership must reflect unity, coordination and commitment to shared national aspirations.

Mark reiterated that the party’s core principles remained transparency, accountability and participation, adding that no member, regardless of status, would be above the party’s constitution.

He assured Nigerians that ADC would prioritise people-focused governance, protect citizens’ welfare and ensure deployment of national resources to improve the quality of life.

Declaring the convention open, Mark expressed confidence that with unity, discipline and commitment, ADC would play a defining role in shaping Nigeria’s democratic future. (NAN)

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