David Mark breaks silence on Peter Obi, Kwankwaso’s defection

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has addressed the recent departure of high-profile members Peter Obi and Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso. Speaking to a forum of former and serving federal lawmakers in Abuja on Wednesday, the former Senate President acknowledged that the exit of the two political heavyweights is a significant development but insisted it would only serve to strengthen the party’s resolve.

Mark, a veteran politician from Benue State, admitted that the loss of such prominent figures would naturally be felt within the party structure. However, he maintained a defiant and optimistic tone, assuring supporters that the ADC is refocusing its efforts on internal growth and grassroots mobilization. “No doubt, the exit of Obi and Kwankwaso has its impact, but it will spur us to work harder,” he stated during the meeting.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the National Chairman promised that the ADC remains committed to offering a viable alternative for Nigerians. He emphasized that the party’s primary goal is to identify and present credible candidates who possess the capacity to win and the integrity to govern effectively. He expressed full confidence that the current challenges would ultimately “strengthen the resolve” of the party to succeed at the polls.

The departures occurred on Sunday when Obi and Kwankwaso defected to the newly formed Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), citing a desire to move past the internal divisions and persistent court cases that have plagued the ADC in recent months. Despite this shift in the opposition landscape, Mark reiterated that the ADC’s mission to build a prosperous Nigeria remains unchanged and that the party is already putting measures in place to fill the void left by the defectors.