Former President of Nigerian Senate, David Mark who is the Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has vowed to end candidate imposition and promote internal democracy within the party.
Speaking at the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, Mark pledged to establish an inclusive and transparent leadership system.
READ ALSO: 2027: David Mark speaks on ADC’s presidential candidate
“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,” he said.
The assurance came in response to earlier criticism from Salihu Lukman, an ADC chieftain, who had raised alarm about alleged godfatherism and favoritism within the party.
In a statement titled “ADC and the Prospect of Internal Democracy,” Lukman warned against elevating loyalists without merit and urged the leadership to uphold integrity and inclusiveness.
He claimed certain individuals within the ADC’s coalition were attempting to hijack the reform process by promoting allies without considering broader representation or competence.
Lukman urged Mark to commit fully to merit-based leadership, warning that failure to do so could make the ADC mirror the shortcomings of traditional political parties.
In his response, Senator Mark doubled down on his commitment to a fair, democratic structure: “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,” he said.
During the NEC meeting, Mark unveiled a reform blueprint that includes reserving 35% of leadership positions for women and establishing a 50-member policy committee to guide national strategies.
“We will open the gates for the next generation. Our policies, nominations, and leadership roles will reflect meaningful inclusion of youths and women, not just tokenism.
“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.”
He said the proposed policy committee would focus on major sectors like security, economy, education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, and technology.
“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 candidates to choose what to do with power.
“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 added.
, has vowed to end candidate imposition and promote internal democracy within the party.){kind=link}