The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has reaffirmed the party’s commitment to internal democracy, transparency, and fairness, pledging to reject imposition, special privileges, and politics without accountability.
Mark, represented by former APC National Vice Chairman (North-West) Salihu Lukman, made the pledge on Tuesday in Abuja at the 2025 International Youth Day celebration organised by the ADC National Youth Wing.
The event, themed “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” attracted political figures, youth leaders, and campaigners for progressive change.
“Under my leadership, ADC will be committed to genuine democratic values, rejecting imposition, special privileges, and politics without accountability. Internal democracy, transparency, and fairness will remain our guiding principles,” Mark said.
He added that the new chapter of the ADC would be anchored on unity, courage, and service to the nation, with a strong focus on youth and women’s participation.
“We are reserving 35% of leadership positions for women, while Nigerians under 40 will also hold significant roles. ADC is your home. We are opening the doors for the next generation, not as a gesture, but as a commitment,” he stated.
ADC National Youth Leader, Comrade Balarabe Rufa’i, urged young Nigerians to take action and hold leaders accountable.
“If we, the youth of Nigeria, cannot change our streets, we will never change our country. ADC is ready to give young Nigerians a seat at the table; not as decoration, but as decision-makers,” Rufa’i declared.
He highlighted pressing national challenges, including youth unemployment, insecurity, and the decline in education, accusing the government of negligence.
“Nigeria’s leaders say, ‘You are the leaders of tomorrow.’ But for too long, tomorrow has been postponed,” he said.
Rufa’i outlined ADC’s plans to address these issues through policies promoting job creation, improved education, and community-based security.
“We will bring security to our communities not by empty promises, but by empowering local security structures and addressing root causes,” he added.
He further called for unity among Nigerian youths, urging them to rise above ethnic and regional divisions.
“If the 25-year-old in Bauchi joins hands with the 30-year-old in Ibadan and the 22-year-old in Enugu, no political godfather can stop us,” he asserted.
The event also featured a keynote address by Dr. Mani Ibrahim Ahmad and a paper presentation by Sir Abubakar Malami, who emphasised legal reforms and good governance as vital to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Today, we urge you to use yourselves, not as bystanders, but as architects of change. The ADC welfare ideology aligns perfectly with the vision of a Nigeria where every young person is an active participant in shaping policies, and not just a passive recipient of these policies,” Ahmad said.
He encouraged youths to use advocacy to demand accountability and inclusion at all levels of governance.
“Too often, young people are excluded from decision-making, and they have no place at the table. Now, how do we change this? One, you can change it through advocacy with your faith. Use your voice to hold leaders accountable. All of us. Hold us accountable. Don’t keep quiet. Demand spaces in local governance, whether at your ward, your local government, or even at your states,” he urged.
