The interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has urged Nigerians to join a growing coalition of opposition parties, saying the alliance is committed to rescuing the country from collapse and restoring democratic governance.

Mark, a former President of the Senate, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja at the unveiling of the ADC as the official platform for the coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“This coalition of national political opposition groups goes beyond the quest for power,” he said. “It is a concerted effort to rebuild the crumbling pillars of Nigeria’s democracy. The mission is clear: rescue Nigeria, rebuild Nigeria, and return power to the people.”

He accused the current administration of systematically eroding democratic institutions and steering the country towards civilian dictatorship.

“Within two years, the administration has hijacked democratic institutions and driven Nigeria towards a creeping dictatorship,” Mark alleged. “The infiltration and destabilisation of opposition parties is aimed at state capture and eliminating electoral alternatives by 2027.”

He further criticised the government for prioritising politics over governance.

“We are witnessing a government more comfortable with corruption, one that disdains accountability and is fixated on the next election rather than the welfare of ordinary Nigerians,” he said.

Despite these challenges, Mark maintained that the opposition coalition offers a viable path forward.

“To all citizens who feel short-changed, who were promised hope but face deepening despair—this is your coalition. Join us in this historic rescue mission,” he said.

The event, held at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, was attended by prominent political figures, including the 2023 presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and Labour Party, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, respectively.

Others present included former governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), and Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), who was recently named interim national secretary of the ADC. Also in attendance were Senator Dino Melaye, former Minister of Youth and Sports Solomon Dalung, media entrepreneur Dele Momodu, Senators Gabriel Suswam and Ireti Kingibe, former Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha, and former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar (retd.).