National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has described the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as the most serious threat to multiparty democracy in Nigeria, following the defection of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to the opposition party.
Mark made the remarks in Kano during a reception organised to welcome Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State and political heavyweight in the region, into the ADC from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
He said Kwankwaso’s move was more than a routine political defection, describing it as a response to growing calls for opposition leaders to unite in defence of Nigeria’s democracy and resist what he called attempts to weaken political pluralism.
According to Mark, Nigeria is witnessing “a dangerous drift” toward concentration of power that could undermine democratic competition and edge the country closer to a one-party system if not checked through lawful political mobilisation.
He said the coalition of opposition figures within the ADC signalled a commitment to preserving citizens’ right to political choice and participation, stressing that democracy depends on strong and credible alternatives to the ruling party.
The event drew several prominent political figures, including Peter Obi, former APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, former House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola, former Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha, and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal.
Mark urged Nigerians across regions, religions and political affiliations to support efforts aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and promoting accountable governance.
He maintained that leadership must be based on public trust and participation rather than political dominance, adding that the ADC would continue to work with like-minded stakeholders to provide an alternative platform for national development.
