…The North is the architect of its own problems — David Mark
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has intensified its engagement in Northern Nigeria, calling on the region to restore its waning political and socio-economic influence through unity, collective resolve, and renewed purpose as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather pace.
Senator David Mark, former Senate President and Acting National Chairman of the ADC, delivered the message at the third plenary session of the Northern Political Consultative Group held in Abuja over the weekend.
In his keynote address, Mark described the North’s current crisis of insecurity, poverty, and political stagnation as largely self-inflicted, stressing that the region could only overcome these challenges by returning to the principles of unity, justice, and shared destiny.
“We must first admit that we are the architects of our problems. We must end the blame game if we genuinely want lasting solutions,” he said.
He lamented the North’s declining fortunes despite its wealth of natural resources, agricultural potential, and cultural diversity, blaming internal divisions and the abandonment of foundational values for the erosion of its former status as a national pacesetter.
“The North is blessed with a rich history, abundant mineral resources, fertile agricultural land, diverse cultures, and enormous potential. Yet we grapple with insecurity, poverty, ethnic and religious tensions, and political fragmentation. These issues are the product of years of disunity and neglect,” Mark noted.
He called on Northern leaders and stakeholders to confront difficult truths about the state of the region and commit to unity and progress, warning that continued division, ethnic chauvinism, and religious intolerance would only deepen the crisis.
“Political fragmentation guarantees that meaningful development cannot thrive in our region. To change the story, we must uphold justice, equity, and mutual respect—the very principles that once made Northern Nigeria a beacon of hope,” he said.
Mark evoked memories of the golden era under Sir Ahmadu Bello, the late Premier of the Northern Region, recalling how inclusive leadership, investment in education and agriculture, and a sense of collective identity brought prosperity to the North.
The Abuja meeting underlined the ADC’s ambition to broaden its political presence in the North ahead of 2027. The party, long positioned as a progressive alternative to dominant political forces, is shaping its appeal around historical legacy, inclusive governance, and inter-ethnic cooperation.
Mark emphasised that insecurity, economic stagnation, and social unrest in the North are interconnected, adding that no single community or ethnic group can resolve these issues in isolation.
“Insecurity deters investors, poverty fuels desperation and crime, ethnic divisions weaken us, and political infighting paralyses development. We must rebuild trust, reconnect with one another, and revive the spirit of brotherhood,” he urged.
Through initiatives like the Northern Consultative Plenary, the ADC is seeking to galvanise grassroots support, reposition its brand, and channel widespread dissatisfaction with the prevailing state of affairs.
Mark’s address drew applause and introspection from delegates, many of whom echoed his appeal for unity and a return to values that once made the North a cornerstone of Nigeria’s political stability.
The ADC’s message to the region was unequivocal: rebuild from within, transcend ethnic and religious divides, and forge a new path towards collective progress.
