David Mark, National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of eroding democratic institutions in Nigeria.
Speaking at the National Opposition Summit in Ibadan, Mark claimed that the current administration is deliberately weakening opposition parties and limiting Nigerians’ ability to freely choose their leaders.
“In the past three years, this government has carried out significant attacks on opposition parties in an effort to deny citizens their right to choose. They are attempting to impose a one-party system on Nigeria,” he said.
He also alleged that institutions designed to protect democracy are being compromised. “Bodies meant to defend our freedoms and uphold the will of the people are increasingly under threat. Citizens’ rights to freely elect their leaders are being undermined,” Mark added.
The former Senate President argued that the pressure on opposition parties is part of a broader strategy to maintain power, warning that no single party can effectively confront what he described as a deeply entrenched system.
“What we are dealing with is a government that has shown, both in rhetoric and action, a readiness to weaken democratic structures and silence opposition voices,” he said.
Mark urged opposition groups to focus on unity and coalition-building. “We chose unity over division, sacrifice over personal ambition, and placed the country above individual interests in response to Nigerians’ desire for a better future,” he stated.
Addressing the electoral process, he raised concerns about the neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission, noting a decline in public trust.
“The strength of our democracy depends on the independence and integrity of electoral institutions. When the referee openly sides with one team, the legitimacy of the entire process is called into question,” he said.
Mark warned that ignoring these issues could undermine the credibility of future elections and called on stakeholders to take urgent steps to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy.
