The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has reiterated the party’s commitment to rejecting imposition, special privileges, and politics that lack accountability.

He pledged that the ADC would stand as a principled and people-focused alternative for Nigeria’s disillusioned youth and progressives.

Mark, who was represented by Salihu Lukman, a former National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the North-West, made these remarks during the 2025 International Youth Day celebration organised by the ADC National Youth Wing in Abuja on Tuesday.

Naijaonpoint reports that the event, which was themed “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” brought together political figures, youth leaders, and campaigners advocating for progressive change in the country.

In his address, Mark highlighted that the ADC would prioritise unity, courage, and selfless service to the country in its new chapter. He emphasised the party’s dedication to democratic values and the rejection of undemocratic practices.

“Under my leadership, ADC will be committed to genuine democratic values, rejecting imposition, special privileges, and politics without accountability. Internal democracy, transparency, and fairness will remain our guiding principles,” Mark said.

ADC Committed To Youth Inclusion

He also underscored the ADC’s focus on youth inclusion, revealing that the party would reserve 35% of leadership positions for women, while Nigerians under the age of 40 would be given substantial roles in the party’s leadership.

“ADC is your home. We are opening the doors for the next generation, not as a gesture, but as a commitment,” he declared.

ADC National Youth Leader, Comrade Balarabe Rufa’i, also addressed the gathering, urging Nigerian youths to demand accountability from their leaders and take active roles in shaping the future of the country.

He emphasised the need for youth action to address the nation’s challenges.

“If we, the youth of Nigeria, cannot change our streets, we will never change our country. ADC is ready to give young Nigerians a seat at the table; not as decoration, but as decision-makers,” Rufa’i stated.

He condemned the government for its failure to address pressing issues such as youth unemployment, insecurity, and the decline in education, labelling this failure as a “moral crime.”

“Nigeria’s leaders say, ‘You are the leaders of tomorrow.’ But for too long, tomorrow has been postponed,” Rufa’i remarked.

He then outlined the ADC’s plans to tackle these issues through policies focused on job creation, improved education, and community-based security.

“We will bring security to our communities not by empty promises, but by empowering local security structures and addressing root causes,” he added.

Rufa’i also called for unity among young Nigerians, urging them to rise above ethnic and regional divisions.

He argued that collective action among youths from different parts of Nigeria would make political interference impossible.

“If the 25-year-old in Bauchi joins hands with the 30-year-old in Ibadan and the 22-year-old in Enugu, no political godfather can stop us,” Rufai said, stressing the power of unity in achieving political change.

Naijaonpoint reports that the event featured a keynote address by Dr. Mani Ibrahim Ahmad, alongside a paper presentation by Sir Abubakar Malami, who spoke on the importance of legal reforms and governance in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Today, we urge you to use yourselves, not as bystanders, but as architects of change. The ADC welfare ideology aligns perfectly with the vision of a Nigeria where every young person is an active participant in shaping policies, and not just a passive recipient of these policies,” Ahmad said.

He urged youths to use their voices to demand accountability from leaders and fight for their inclusion in decision-making processes, starting from local governance.

“Too often, young people are excluded from decision-making, and they have no place at the table. Now, how do we change this? One, you can change it through advocacy with your faith. Use your voice to hold leaders accountable,” he concluded.

A panel discussion also took place, with contributions from Dr. Ladan Salihu, Hon. Abdullahi Hussaini Maibasira, and Jackie Wayas, who engaged in a lively conversation about the role of young people in driving national change.

The event reinforced the ADC’s commitment to empowering Nigerian youths, placing them at the forefront of the nation’s political future.