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Tag: David Mark

  • No discussion yet on presidential candidate, says Mark

    No discussion yet on presidential candidate, says Mark

    No decision has been taken on who will fly the African Democratic Congress (ADC) flag in 2027, Interim National Chairman David Mark said yesterday.

    Mark said during the meeting of ADC stakeholders from Kogi State in Abuja that the focus of the party at the moment is to birth a platform that would appeal to many Nigerians.

    “The ADC has no preferred or favourite presidential aspirant but is focused on establishing a platform that appeals to the majority of Nigerians,” Mark, a former Senate President, said.

    “We are doing this because we do not want this great ship called Nigeria to sink. If we do not rise now and it sinks, all of us will be affected,” he added.

     Also yesterday, a lawyer, Kenneth Okonkwo, argued that only a candidate of the ADC from the North would make the coalition’s desire to defeat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in  2027 a reality.

     Okonkwo, spokesman for the Labour Party (LP) presidential campaign team in the 2023 poll, is now in the camp of ex-Vice-President  Atiku Abubakar, one of the promoters of the coalition and a presidential hopeful.

     Mark assured Nigerians that the ADC would be ensure transparency and enthrone proper democracy in the country.

      “I don’t own this party more than any of our members. I urge all members to show Nigerians that ADC is a different party—one ready to properly run democracy in our country. All Nigerians must come together and take ownership of the ADC,” he said. 

    The ADC chairman called on members to set aside differences and work as a team, stressing that building a formidable party should supersede personal ambitions.

     He urged politicians to focus on national challenges such as insecurity, which, according to him, the ADC  would tackle if allowed to govern.

    “Let us continue to work to rebuild our nation and bring out her best in the overall interest of future generations,” Mark added.

      Leader of the  ADC  national legal support group, Mohammed Sheriff, alleged that persons who filed a case in court against the interim ADC leadership were not registered members of the party in Kogi and Nasarawa states.

    Read Also: FG targets food sufficiency through Public-Private Partnership – Idris

     Sheriff said  97 lawyers have volunteered to defend Mark and other leaders of the party in court.

    A coalition member, Okonkwo, said  President Tinubu would be re-elected if the  ADC  presented a Southern presidential candidate like Peter Obi as its flag bearer for the 2027 general election.

     The actor-turned-lawyer advised the coalition to present a Northern political heavyweight in the toga of   Atiku,   ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir el-Rufai and ex-Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal to achieve its goal.

    “My strategy this time around is that I am going to support a Northerner in 2027,” Okonkwo said during a television programme.”  

    “It should be a Northerner that the whole North is willing to support. If the whole North is willing to support an Atiku, why not?

    “If the whole North is willing to support a Tambuwal, why not? The person must be qualified, and if he has experience in the Presidency, it is an added advantage, and when he puts up something from the South, that will push him through.” 

    Okonkwo said the Southeast should learn a lesson from the Southwest to produce a president.

    His words: “Let me tell you the strategy that will make the Southeast man to be president. Do you know the Southwest has never contested an election against an incumbent? Strategy?

    ‘’Because they (Southwest) know that in Nigeria, if you don’t have the establishment supporting you, even if you win, they will steal it.’’

  • Klinsmann blasts ADC coalition, Mark’s leadership

    Klinsmann blasts ADC coalition, Mark’s leadership

    Policy analyst and APC chieftain from Anambra State, Pharmacist Ikeagwuonwu Chinedu Klinsmann, has lashed out at the newly unveiled opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the development as “a recycled political joke” engineered by “expired power merchants” bent on derailing the steady progress of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

    Klinsmann specifically questioned the credibility and moral standing of former Senate President David Mark, the newly announced interim chairman of the coalition, accusing him of “presiding over decades of missed opportunities and political betrayal.”

    In a statement in Abuja, Klinsmann said the ADC coalition was neither founded on any democratic conviction nor powered by a unified ideological vision but rather a product of frustration, ego and bitterness by politicians who had outlived their relevance in modern governance. 

    “The announcement of this so-called ‘Third Force’ is nothing but a gathering of political scavengers,” Klinsmann declared. “Their only agenda is power for power’s sake – Nigerians must reject them completely.”

    He expressed disbelief over David Mark’s attempt to re-emerge on the political scene under a new guise, calling it an insult to Nigerians’ collective intelligence. 

    “What new idea is David Mark bringing to the table now that he couldn’t deliver during his 12 years in the Senate, including two terms as Senate President?” Klinsmann asked.

     “He failed to deliver anything meaningful even to Otukpo – the political capital of the Idoma nation – despite holding one of the highest offices in the land. Otukpo still lacks basic road infrastructure. David Mark was always coming to Otukpo in a helicopter. So much for leadership!”

    Klinsmann reminded Nigerians of David Mark’s infamous legacy as Minister of Communications during the military regime where he reportedly said that “telephones were not for the poor.” 

    According to Klinsmann, that statement captured the former Senate President’s disdain for the common man and explained why he should have no business attempting to ‘rescue’ Nigeria. 

    “Anyone who once believed that the poor did not deserve basic communication access has no moral right to pose today as a patriot,” he added.

    The APC stalwart pointed out the current leadership of the ADC is composed largely of political drifters, defectors from PDP, Labour and even APC, many of whom have spent decades running Nigeria’s economy into the ground and now want to ride on anti-Tinubu sentiment to regain power.

     “What we are seeing is not a movement – it’s a mutiny of rejected political relics hoping to exploit temporary discontent for personal advantage,” Klinsmann said.

    He argued that in contrast to the cacophony and confusion within the opposition, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated competence, clarity, and consistency in rebuilding the nation. Citing Tinubu’s economic and infrastructural reforms, Klinsmann stated that “no serious Nigerian would exchange the Renewed Hope Agenda for a backward march into the recycled chaos of the ADC coalition.” 

    He added the Tinubu administration has not only stabilized the naira and implemented critical foreign exchange reforms but has also initiated major infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the expansion of railway networks nationwide.

    Addressing security and national unity, Klinsmann highlighted Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to strengthen national security institutions, improve inter-agency coordination, and enhance funding for Nigeria’s armed forces. 

    “Despite the challenges, we are seeing a gradual return of peace in areas previously overrun by bandits and insurgents. These are not theories – they are measurable impacts,” he asserted.

    Klinsmann warned Nigerians to beware of another charade like that of 2018, when former President Olusegun Obasanjo propped up the ADC as an alternative platform to fight the APC, only for the coalition to collapse within months. “History is repeating itself – same recycled faces, same old lies, same inevitable failure,” Klinsmann said. “The only thing new about this coalition is the speed at which Nigerians are rejecting it.”

    He called out Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and other prominent names linked to the emerging coalition, stating that they’ve all had their turn in leadership with nothing to show. 

    “This is a tired group of elites trying to confuse and divide Nigerians. Their political DNA is failure. They are united only by their fear of irrelevance under a working APC-led government,” Klinsmann noted.

    He also lambasted the attempt to mimic APC’s acronym and messaging. “ADC? The similarity in branding is laughable and desperate. Nigerians know who the real APC is – and we have nothing in common with this coalition of confusion.”

    Klinsmann appealed to the youths, especially those in the Southeast and across Nigeria, not to allow themselves to be manipulated by men who have been complicit in decades of underdevelopment. 

    “They annulled your parents’ votes in 1993. Yes! David Mark was an arrowhead of the military cabal that annulled the June 12, 1993 presidential election, so far the freest and fairest election in Nigeria. They mismanaged your future from 1999. Now, they want to hijack your voice in 2027? Say no!” he urged.

    As an APC stalwart from Dunukofia, Anambra State, Klinsmann further called on Igbo youth and leaders to resist the temptation of being dragged into another political distraction.

    Read Also: Klinsmann slams el-Rufai over attacks on Tinubu, APC

    “Now is not the time for bitterness. Now is the time to align and contribute meaningfully to a Nigeria that listens, builds, and includes. Tinubu’s government is the most inclusive in recent times – let us be part of the solution, not a tool for retrogression.”

    He urged Nigerians across all regions, age brackets, and professional backgrounds to consolidate around the Renewed Hope Agenda. 

    “We cannot allow a cabal of expired politicians to derail the progress of over 200 million Nigerians. 

    The ADC coalition has no plans, no ideology, no compass. It is a coalition of self-service, not nation-building. President Tinubu is not perfect, but he is purposeful, and Nigeria is finally heading somewhere.

    “The 2027 elections will not be about recycled politicians or tired slogans. It will be about continuity, stability, and delivery. Tinubu represents that hope – and we must defend it,” Klinsmann concluded.

  • David Mark quits PDP after 27 years, joins coalition

    David Mark quits PDP after 27 years, joins coalition

    Former Senate President David Mark has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing persistent internal divisions, leadership crises, and irreconcilable differences that have reduced the party to a shadow of its former self.

    In a letter dated June 27 and addressed to the PDP Chairman in his Otukpo Ward, Benue State, Mark lamented the state of the party, which he helped found in 1998, and announced his departure after nearly three decades of loyal membership.

    “I bring warm greetings to you and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Otukpo Ward 1, and by extension, to the entire Benue State and Nigeria. I write to formally inform you of my decision to resign my membership of the party with immediate effect,” Mark wrote.

    He recalled his commitment during the PDP’s most challenging periods:

    “You may recall that over the years, I have remained firm and deeply committed to the ideals of the PDP. 

    “Even when nearly all stakeholders departed the party following our loss in the 2015 presidential election, I pledged to remain the last man standing.

    “I have worked steadfastly to rebuild, reconcile, and reposition the party, efforts which, without sounding immodest, helped restore the PDP to national relevance and made it once again a party of choice for many Nigerians.”

    Read Also: 2027: Atiku, David Mark, Lamido woo PDP members to break away

    However he said recent developments within the PDP had forced him to reconsider, “Recent events marked by deepening divisions, persistent leadership crisis, and irreconcilable differences have reduced the party to a shadow of its former self, subjecting it to public ridicule.”

    He added: ““After wide consultations with my family, friends, and political associates, I have resolved to join the National Coalition of Political Opposition Movement in Nigeria, as part of the collective effort to rescue our nation and preserve our hard-earned democracy.”

    Mark served in the Senate for 16 years, representing Benue South from 1999 to 2019, and was Senate President from 2007 to 2015. His resignation marks his first-ever defection from the PDP.

    He joins opposition figures including Atiku Abubakar, Aminu Tambuwal, Sule Lamido, Liyel Imoke, and Babangida Aliyu in what appears to be a coordinated political front to challenge the Bola Tinubu presidency in 2027.

  • Benue Massacre: People may be forced to defend themselves, Mark tells FG

    Benue Massacre: People may be forced to defend themselves, Mark tells FG

    Former Senate President David Mark has once again expressed deep concern over the continued and escalating killings of citizens in Benue State.

    In a statement by his media aide, Paul Mumeh, in Abuja, Mark warned that the situation may compel residents to resort to self-help and defend themselves if the government fails to protect lives and property.

    He decried the deteriorating security situation in Benue, which has led to the loss of hundreds of lives and widespread destruction of property.

    He described the killings as “senseless, tragic, and unacceptable.”

    He emphasised that the primary responsibility of any government is the welfare and security of its citizens.

    According to him, any deviation from this mandate constitutes a gross disservice to the people.

    “This is the unfortunate reality the Benue people are confronted with. Government must rise to its responsibility, or risk leaving the people with no option but to defend themselves,” he said.

    Senator Mark urged the federal government to fulfil its constitutional obligation to safeguard the lives and property of all Nigerians.

    Read Also: 2Baba decries Benue massacre, seeks stakeholders’ help

    He also called on the state government, under the leadership of Governor Hyacinth Alia, to intensify its efforts in ensuring the safety of the people.

    In addition, the former Senate President appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, and stakeholders to remain vigilant and cooperate fully with security agencies in identifying and apprehending those behind these heinous crimes.

    To the people of Benue, Senator Mark offered a message of solidarity and resilience.

    “This is a trying moment for our people,” he said. “We must unite, mobilise, and speak with one voice against the invaders. We must refuse to bow to fear.”

    Despite the ongoing provocations, he urged the people to remain law-abiding, stay united, and uphold the enduring spirit of being their brothers’ keeper.

  • Mark hails Abubakar at 83, praises role in Nigeria’s democratic journey

    Mark hails Abubakar at 83, praises role in Nigeria’s democratic journey

    Former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, has extended warm congratulations to former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, on the occasion of his 83rd birthday.

    In a goodwill message, Senator Mark prayed for continued good health, peace of mind, and divine wisdom for the elder statesman in the years ahead.

    He described General Abdulsalami as a true patriot, lauding his instrumental role in steering Nigeria toward democratic governance in 1999.

    While acknowledging that democracy is not without flaws, Senator Mark emphasised that it remains the most viable and preferred system of government for Nigeria.

    “General Abdulsalami earned the trust and confidence of Nigerians by keeping his word to end military rule and usher in a representative democracy,” Mark stated. “He is, without a doubt, a man of peace in every sense of the word.”

    Read Also: Abdulsalami Abubakar: Nigerian democracy has survived reactionary forces

    Senator Mark further acknowledged Abdulsalami’s enduring dedication to national unity and stability, especially through his leadership of the National Peace Committee, which has been instrumental in promoting peace especially during critical periods in Nigeria’s history.

    He concluded by praying for more fruitful years for General Abdulsalami, so that the nation will continue to benefit from his wisdom, statesmanship, and unwavering commitment to peace and development.

  • Mark celebrates journalism icon Amuka at 90

    Mark celebrates journalism icon Amuka at 90

    Former Senate President David Mark has congratulated publisher of Vanguard newspapers Sam Amuka on his 90th birthday.

    In a goodwill message, Senator Mark lauded Amuka’s monumental contributions to the journalism profession and to Nigeria’s socio-political development. He noted that both the media industry and the nation owe Amuka a debt of gratitude for his lifelong dedication and service.

    Reflecting on Amuka’s illustrious career, Mark highlighted his influential column in the defunct Daily Times of Nigeria, which he said played a significant role in shaping national discourse and guiding the country’s development, even before the founding of Vanguard newspapers.

    Read Also: Tunji Bello salutes Amuka-Pemu at 90

    Senator Mark urged Amuka to continue to share his vast experience and wisdom in leadership and journalism with the younger generation, noting that his legacy remains a valuable resource.

    He prayed for God’s continued grace upon Amuka’s life, wishing him good health, peace, and enduring wisdom in the years to come.

  • Insecurity: David Mark calls for tougher measures against criminals, armed herdsmen

    Insecurity: David Mark calls for tougher measures against criminals, armed herdsmen

    Former Senate President, David Mark, has urged the federal government to adopt a more proactive approach in combating violent crimes, kidnappings, and the activities of armed herdsmen wreaking havoc in various parts of the country.

    In his Easter goodwill message, Mark recommended that such violent groups be officially designated as terrorists and treated accordingly.

    He expressed deep concern over the continued wave of violence, particularly in Plateau and Benue states, which has led to significant loss of lives and property.

    In a statement issued by his media aide, Paul Mumeh, in Abuja, Mark said: “We must not shy away from the truth. If they are not terrorists, why are they killing people? Why are they destroying communities? Why are they chasing people away from their ancestral homes?”

    He decried the unending activities of armed herdsmen suspected to be behind killings and kidnappings stressing that “their activities are unacceptable and should not only be condemned but be prohibited in entirety as nobody has the right to take anybody’s life”.

    On the unabating ferocious and murderous attacks on several communities in Benue and Plateau States, Senator Mark called on the Federal Government to proscribe open grazing in all parts of the country and, in place of open grazing, establish enclosed ranching, which is the best practice worldwide.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s wife mobilises Ondo Monarchs on increased food production

    The former Senate President, whose Otukpo, Benue South country home has been under suspected herdsmen attacks called for more inclusive approach to tackle insecurity in all ramifications.

    Mark also called for the establishment of a well-equipped Border Security Forces (BSF) to halt the influx of criminals into the country pointing out that most of these suspected herders killing our people took advantage of the porosity of our borders by streaming into the country from our neighbouring countries.

    He added: “We must not allow criminal elements to stream into our country. We must, therefore, change our strategy. Maybe, we can begin to think of fencing our borders like India, Israel, the United States and Mexico.”

    When established he said that the National Border Security Force (NBSF) would not only be saddled with the mandate of policing the nation’s porous borders but would also have the mandate of fighting terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

    Justifying his current stance, Senator Mark, who decried the carnage going on in Benue and Plateau States, said that a debilitating disease deserves a more serious medication if it must be cured.

    He commiserated with the people and governments of Benue and Plateau States and all those who lost their loved ones.

  • David Mark at 77: Seeks unity, peace to tackle national challenges

    David Mark at 77: Seeks unity, peace to tackle national challenges

    Former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, has called for unity to tackle challenges confronting the country.

    This is even as he took stock of his military career and political trajectory and submitted that he gives “all glory and praise to Almighty God.” 

    Senator Mark, according to a statement by his media aide, Paul Mumeh, said at a church service to commemorate his 77th birthday in Abuja that he has  dedicated the rest of his life to serving God and humanity  “as a token of my appreciation.”

    Read Also: The Road to 2027

    He also spoke on the security,  political, and economic challenges faced by Nigerians.

    Mark said: “I believe that with God all things are possible. I believe that if we come together to tackle our common challenges, the answer will be obvious.”

    He noted that there is no nation without challenges, but people must come together to find a common solution.

  • Mark decries armed herdsmen’s attack on Benue

    Mark decries armed herdsmen’s attack on Benue

    Former Senate President David Mark has decried attacks on several communities in Benue State by suspected armed herdsmen.

    Mark, according to a statement by his media aide, Paul Mumeh, in Abuja, said the attacks had led to the destruction of lives and property worth billions in the last few weeks in Otukpo, Agatu, Apa, Ohimini, Okpokwu, Ado, Ogbadibo, Gwer-West, Gwer-East, Katsina-Ala, Logo and Ukum local government areas of Benue State.

    He said a few weeks ago, people were killed in Gwer-West leading to youths protest in the area, adding that just last week,

    so many people were killed and others kidnapped in Otukpo axis.

    A worried Senator Mark however noted that “it is heartwarming that some of the beasts involved in the dastardly acts have been apprehended by security agents.

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    “I urge all concerned to do a diligent investigation and ensure that all the people immediately and remotely involved should be made to face the full wrath of the law.

    “I also call on the youths in our various communities to ensure vigilance and report any suspicious behaviour of people and their movements to law enforcement agencies to prevent reoccurrence”.

    In doing so, Senator Mark cautioned: “There should be no stereotyping of any ethnic group or reprisal attacks on any group of people due to these unfortunate incidents.

    “I commiserate with those who lost their loved ones at the hands of the marauders. May their souls rest in peace”. 

  • Mark, Ogbeha greet Ndoma-Egba at 69

    Mark, Ogbeha greet Ndoma-Egba at 69

    Former Senate President David Mark and Senator Tunde Ogbeha have sent messages of felicitation to former Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba SAN on his 69th birthday.

    In separate goodwill messages to the former Senate leader, the duo described him as a distinguished parliamentarian and leader with a difference.

    Ndoma-Egba was Deputy Senate Leader between 2007 and 2011 and Senate Leader between 2011 and 2015 when Mark held sway as Senate President.

    Mark recalled that Senator Ndoma-Egba’s uncommon dedication to the ideals of nationhood and intellectual contributions added to the  success during his tenure .

    He noted that Ndoma-Egba is among leaders who believes and works for the sanctity of our unity, peace and development of Nigeria.

    Read Also: Switching to parliamentary system will be difficult – Ndoma-Egba

    He told Ndoma-Egba: “You have certainly earned a place in  the history of Nigeria. I pray that God in his infinite mercy continues to grant you good health, peace and wisdom in the years ahead.”

    On his part, Ogbeha congratulated Ndoma-Egba for the milestone and wished him more accomplishments in the service to fatherland.

    Ndoma-Egba, a former chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), is Chairman, governing council of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, in Ekiti State.

    He was born on March 8, 1956, in Ikom, Cross River State.