Senator David Mark, National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Senate President, has declared that the opposition’s mission to rescue Nigeria from deepening insecurity, economic hardship, and threats to democracy is not optional but a patriotic imperative that “must be done.”
Speaking at a high-level national opposition summit hosted by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde in Ibadan, Senator Mark rallied leaders from various political parties, warning that Nigeria is facing a historic crisis marked by widespread violence and a drift toward a one-party state.
“The call to rescue Nigeria is not a mere opposition slogan. The evidence is there for all of us to see,” Mark said. He painted a grim picture of the security situation, citing frightening statistics: over 12,000 conflict-related deaths in 2025 alone more than in active war zones like Syria, Iraq, and Yemen combined with Nigeria ranked 4th on the global terrorism index.
He noted that while global terrorism deaths fell by 28% in 2025, Nigeria’s rose by 46%, with at least 15 Nigerians killed and 19 abducted daily. In the first three months of 2026, approximately 1,400 citizens were killed or abducted.
“Entire communities are uprooted, families shattered, and livelihoods destroyed. Fear has taken the place of freedom, and uncertainty has replaced hope,” he added. Mark criticised the APC-led government for what he described as “shocking indifference,” accusing it of prioritising “election matters and politics of self-succession” while citizens continue to suffer.
The ADC chairman stressed that the essence of democracy lies in giving citizens a genuine choice. He alleged that the ruling party has systematically attacked opposition parties over the past three years in an attempt to undermine pluralism and foist a one-party state on Nigeria.
“Our mission to rescue Nigeria is a task that must be done,” Mark emphasised. “It is a mission born out of necessity, compelled by the suffering of our people, and driven by the urgency of the moment. This responsibility is far more important than partisan sentiment, personal interest or personal ambition.”
He called for unity among opposition forces, warning against fragmentation and hidden agendas. “We must be united to salvage our nation… This is the time to rewrite the story of coalition building in Nigeria,” he urged, stressing the need for honesty, integrity, and trust among opposition leaders.
Mark further highlighted the government’s record as one of failure, propped up by propaganda, while recent changes in the economic management team amount to a “tacit admission of failure.” He expressed deep concern over the independence of democratic institutions, particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stating that Nigerians have lost confidence in the electoral body.
Prominent attendees at the summit included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Professor Jerry Gana, Aisha Yesufu, Professor Pat Utomi, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, and several other notable political figures.
Senator Mark concluded by reaffirming the opposition’s commitment: “At a defining moment in our history, when Nigeria stood at the edge of uncertainty, we did not falter. We did not allow personal ambition to override the desire of Nigerians for a better life.”
The summit is seen as a significant step toward building a strong, united opposition platform ahead of future electoral contests, with participants resolved to present a credible alternative focused on restoring security, reviving the economy, and strengthening democratic institutions.