As party local chairmen in Lagos protest
National Chairman of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has assured party members and observers that despite the setbacks, the party will not lose focus but remain unshaken.

He spoke just as a fresh crisis erupted within the ADC in Lagos State, as local council chairmen issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the party leadership, threatening to seek legal redress over alleged irregularities in the ongoing congress process.

Mark’s assurance that the party was well was contained in an Easter message signed by his media aide, Paul Muneh.

The former Senate President described Easter as a season that embodies sacrifice, hope, renewal and triumph of light over darkness.

Beyond reflecting on the virtues of love, selflessness, and forgiveness as exemplified by Jesus Christ and celebrated during Easter.

Mark reassured Nigerians about the state of his party, saying the party remained strong, united, and unshaken despite recent challenges.

He said: “The temporary setbacks have only reinforced the party’s resolve and strengthened its commitment to democratic ideals and the delivery of good governance.

“ADC remains focused and unwavering in its mission to enthrone democratic ethos, uphold the rule of law, and provide purposeful leadership that addresses the needs and aspirations of Nigerians,” he said.

He expressed confidence in the party’s future, affirming his commitment to leading the ADC to victory in the 2027 General Elections.

Mark dismissed as false and malicious reports alleging that he had stepped down from his position as the ADC national chairman.

In a statement issued by the Media Office of the National Chairman, the party described the claim as “an insidious fabrication” orchestrated by individuals it termed as “puerile, weak, and inconsiderate propagandists.”

The statement affirmed that Mark remained the substantive national chairman of the party, stressing that there was no contemplation whatsoever of his resignation either by him or the leadership of the ADC.

“The assertion that Senator David Mark has stepped down exists only in the warped imagination of those bent on spreading falsehood and creating confusion within our party,” the statement read.

It also warned against attempts to destabilise the party, noting that such efforts were driven by fear of the ADC’s growing influence and the emerging political permutations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

On the fresh crisis within the ADC in Lagos State, the party’s local council chairmen issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the party leadership, threatening to seek legal redress over alleged irregularities in the ongoing congress process.

The chairmen, through a petition filed by their legal representatives, warned that they would approach the court to stop what they described as unconstitutional congresses if their grievances were not addressed within the stipulated timeframe.

The petition, addressed to the Chairman of the ADC Congress Committee in Lagos and copied to other key stakeholders, accused certain individuals of hijacking the nomination process and undermining the authority of duly recognised party executives at the grassroots.

According to the petitioners, the controversy centres on the alleged unauthorised collection and distribution of nomination forms in several LGAs, a development they said had disrupted planned harmonisation efforts and created confusion within party structures.

They cited Ibeju-Lekki, where unknown persons reportedly collected nomination forms without the consent of the LGA executive, and Agege, where a meeting meant for membership registration allegedly turned contentious, with claims that the chairman’s endorsement was forged after he exited the gathering.

In Lagos Island and Badagry, the chairmen also alleged that individuals not recognised within the party’s local structure took control of the nomination process, sidelining legitimate leaders and altering the course of the congress arrangements.

Among their demands, the chairmen called for the immediate withdrawal of all nomination forms issued outside official channels, a revalidation of the process through recognised LGA executives, and a full investigation into the alleged infractions.