David Mark Breaks Silence On Obi, Kwankwaso’s Exit From ADC
Senator David Mark, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, has openly acknowledged that the departure of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso from the party carries political weight, while maintaining that it does not threaten the party’s long-term survival.
Mark made the remarks during a meeting with members of the Forum of former federal lawmakers under the ADC at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, offering one of his most candid assessments yet of recent developments within the opposition party.
“Political parties are strengthened not only by the presence of influential individuals but by the collective dedication of their members,” he stated, framing the exits as a moment for reflection rather than retreat.
The former Senate President conceded that the departure of both Obi and Kwankwaso, two figures who command substantial national and regional followings, had a visible impact on the party’s early mobilisation efforts and public profile. However, he argued that the development should prompt renewed commitment among remaining members rather than despondency.
Mark stressed that the ADC would press ahead with grassroots mobilisation, internal cohesion and credible leadership recruitment as central pillars of its forward strategy. He also warned against internal divisions, urging party stakeholders to subordinate personal ambitions to collective goals.
“Sustained unity and discipline would be critical in positioning the ADC as a strong alternative in Nigeria’s competitive political environment,” he said.
His comments arrive against the backdrop of significant turbulence within Nigeria’s opposition politics, where leading figures continue to shift allegiances ahead of the 2027 general elections. The movement of prominent actors across party lines has become a defining feature of the current political season, with smaller parties like the ADC caught between the ambition to grow and the challenge of retaining high profile members.
Party officials have maintained that the exits by Obi and Kwankwaso present an opportunity to reassess internal structures rather than a sign of organisational decline. They say the party is currently engaged in consultations and stakeholder engagements across multiple states to reinforce its national footprint.
Mark expressed optimism that with strengthened structures and sustained discipline, the ADC can emerge as a more cohesive and competitive force in Nigerian politics. He reiterated that true political longevity is built on consistent structure, responsive leadership and clear policy direction, qualities he insists the party is actively working to deepen.
Whether those assurances will be enough to stabilise the ADC’s standing amid the gathering momentum of 2027 political realignments remains an open question.