DAVID MARK WARNS AGAINST CORRUPTION, MANIPULATION OF PRIMARIES. (PHOTO).

 David Mark warns against corruption, manipulation of primaries

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has warned chieftains and members of the party against corruption, ticket trading, manipulation of primaries, among others, saying the leadership will not accept such vices.

He gave the warning yesterday in Asaba during the inauguration of Delta State Transition Management Committee, emphasising adherence to the ADC Constitution and operational guidelines.

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), in the 2023 general elections, Olorogun Great Ogboru, is one of the members of the leadership team in the state.

Other members of the team are Deacon Kennedy Pela, Hon. Uloho Obaro, Engr. Austin Okolie, Hon. George Timinimi, and Hon. Emeka Ozegbe.

Senator Mark, who was represented by former Secretary to the Federal Government, Mr. Babachir Lawal, outlined the party’s expectations for the newly inaugurated leaders.

“Corruption, ticket-trading, manipulation of primaries, and other shady practices which are common in other parties will not be tolerated in the ADC,” the former Senate President warned.

Mark also commended Delta leaders for their commitment to the ADC and urged members to support the national leadership in strengthening party structures across the state.

The ADC national chair stated, “Part of the terms of reference of the leadership team is to diligently superintend membership registration, mobilisation, registration and validation.

“The leadership team will also acquire and set up offices for the party at the state, local government, ward and unit levels and undertake sensitisation and awareness advocacy at all levels in order to promote and familiarise the public with the party.”

Also speaking, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the ADC is committed to change the political narrative in the country, emphasising that the party is driven by a mission focused on justice, equity, and transparency in governance. 

Abdullahi asserted that the pervasive issues in Nigerian politics stem from historical practices, and the ADC aims to adopt a different, more effective political approach.

He challenged the effectiveness of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), urging the public to assess whether their lives have improved under their governance and if not, he suggested they consider the ADC as an alternative.

Abdullahi portrayed the ADC as the last standing credible opposition party in Nigeria, noting the party’s commitment to representing the voice of ordinary Nigerians and fostering inclusive governance.

He expressed concerns about the political landscape, claiming that by 2027, there is a risk of the APC being the only major party left, while the ADC aims to remain a significant contender.

The ADC’s mission, according to Abdullahi, is not only political but also a national rescue effort, aiming to empower ordinary Nigerians to participate meaningfully in governance.

In his remarks, National Vice Chairman (South-South), Usani Uguru Usani, urged ADC members in the Niger Delta to stand firm and not allow past political experiences to instill fear in them.

He said, “Any man who carries fear does not belong to the ADC”, emphasising that the party’s internal processes are transparent and accountable.

He dismissed speculation about divisions within the ADC as “a storm in a tea cup.”

Giving the vote of thanks, Olorogun Great Ogboru described the inauguration as a historic milestone for Delta State politics, saying the state had lacked effective opposition for decades.

He praised the coalition members for the ADC as a strategic move to strengthen democracy in the state and the country.

Ogboru said, “The ruling APC does not know that an obscure party like the ADC will come up to say ‘No’.

“They did not know that Nigerians will join ADC to say ‘no’. Nigerians and ADC believe that we must have a democracy. Nigerians and ADC believe that to have a democracy, there must be an alternative.

“Nigerians and ADC believe that for that alternative to be effective, the people must decide.”