Former Senate President and National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has raised a high-stakes alarm over what he describes as a calculated attempt by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to dismantle multi-party democracy and impose a one-party system on Nigeria.
Speaking at a national summit of opposition political leaders ongoing at the Banquet Hall of the Oyo State Government House in Agodi, he declared that the threat to Nigeria’s democratic plurality is no longer a rumour, but a deliberate agenda.
In a scathing assessment of the current administration, Mark asserted that the APC has spent the last three years systematically working to weaken opposition voices.
He vowed, however, that the move to consolidate absolute power would be resisted.
”The move to turn Nigeria into a one-party country is real. But it will not happen. This contest is no longer just between political parties; it is a contest between the APC and the people of Nigeria. The opposition stands firmly on the side of the people.”
Addressing the recent reshuffling of the federal cabinet, the former Senate President dismissed the move as a desperate attempt to fix a sinking ship.
He argued that the timing of the changes serves as a silent confession of incompetence by the presidency.
“Rejigging the cabinet at this time is an admission of failure. You don’t change a winning team; you only scramble for new hands when things aren’t working.”
Mark characterised the ruling party’s tenure as a record of failure, suggesting that administrative tweaks cannot mask deep-seated governance issues.
The ADC National Chairman also turned his sights on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), expressing grave concerns over the credibility of upcoming polls.
He cautioned that the electoral body appeared poised to preside over kangaroo elections designed to favour the status quo.
Despite the fears, Mark remained defiant, stating that the APC lacks the power to suppress the collective will of the Nigerian electorate.
The summit, being hosted by Governor Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), might have become a focal point for a potential mega-coalition.
